To mark the Year of the Tiger, the City of Sydney has drawn on young talent to create the Sydney Lunar Festival artwork with a design competition that attracted more than 1,250 entries.
Six designs were selected and the colourful artworks of Anja,11, Chloe, 10, Katie, 9, Amber, 9, William, 8, and Ruisi, 6, are featured on street banners, bus shelters and billboards to brighten the city streets.
Two of the designs have also been transformed into lunar lanterns – “big mouth tiger” by Ruisi and “tiger roll” by Chloe – and will stand guard at the Town Hall steps.
Chloe said she was happy and proud to hear her design inspired by her favourite egg sushi roll would be transformed into larger than life artworks.
“I can’t believe my tiger sushi drawing is now a lantern. It’s a wonderful thing that will remain in my memory all my life.
“I am Korean. In Korean culture, tigers are mysterious animals that prevent plague and disaster. In 2022, the year of the tiger, I hope the Coronavirus will disappear and everyone will be happy and free.”
The children’s artwork is just one of more than 80 attractions that will enliven the the city centre and the heart of Chinatown during the 2022 Sydney Lunar Festival from January 29 to February 13.
This year’s events and attractions will be on offer day and night – celebrating Sydney’s creative talent, fabulous food, culture and community over 16 days and three weekends.
City of Sydney Councillor Robert Kok said this year Chinatown would be an important centre for celebrations to support local business operators.
“We know that businesses around Chinatown and throughout Haymarket have been badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Councillor Kok said.
“This year we’re taking the festival back to the home of Lunar New Year celebrations with events, activations, colourful decorations and roving performers to help draw visitors to the area. We are also supporting activations across Koreatown and Haymarket to support the whole Asian community area.”
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said, “We’re lining the city with larger-than-life Lunar lanterns and transforming our streets into outdoor galleries. And for the first time, Sydney’s youngest artists will be taking centre stage as our star designers.
“In the Year of the Tiger,” she said, “Sydney is ready to roar again, and we’re going to make sure there’s lots to celebrate, from Haymarket to the Rocks, from Cockle Bay to the CBD.”
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See events, dining specials and entertainment to mark the Lunar New Year and Year of the Tiger on the City of Sydney’s What’s On website.
