Sydney Festival To Transform Oxford Street Next Week With A Monumental New Work From One Of The World's Most Celebrated Photographers

In a special out-of-season presentation, Sydney Festival will bring the work of revered Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky - known for his large-scale depictions of humanity's impact on the planet - to Sydney's Oxford Street Precinct this August. Towering across three immense nine-metre screens, Burtynsky's staggering new work, In the Wake of Progress, will envelop and illuminate Taylor Square from next week 25 August - 18 September.

40 years in the making, In the Wake of Progress is an immersive multimedia artwork combining the most powerful photographs and film footage of Burtynsky's career, characterised by award-winning aerial visuals and dramatic industrial landscapes.

From scenes of shipbreaking in Bangladesh to images of hazardous nickel tailings in Ontario, audiences are invited to absorb themselves in the mesmerising patterns and epic panoramas of our planet - both the natural and unnatural. Burtynsky's images tell the epic and confronting story of humanity's influence on Earth with alarming artistry and extraordinary scale, urging us to rethink our legacy and seek a more sustainable future.

Co-produced by Canadian music legend Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed) and set to a stirring original score by multi award-winning composer Phil Strong, the result is a deeply moving 22-minute sensory experience.

Premiering at Luminato Festival Toronto in June 2022, In the Wake of Progress now comes to Oxford Street's Taylor Square, where passers-by and art pilgrims alike will experience this urgent call to action, and search for hope through the power of art.

Audiences will also have the opportunity to hear from Burtynsky himself, in Sydney, for the free and fascinating In the Wake of Progress talk series at the Australian Museum from Thursday 1 - Saturday 3 September.

"I am absolutely thrilled that Sydney Festival can host the Australian premiere of In the Wake of Progress - a powerful and urgent work from one of the world's foremost photographers, Edward Burtynsky," said Sydney Festival Director Olivia Ansell. "Given the Festival's history of transforming underutilised spaces and presenting some of the best artists from around the world, we're pleased to work with NSW Government, to animate Sydney with this epic outdoor installation and accompanied talks at the Australian Museum ahead of our January festival."

"It's incredibly exciting to have In the Wake of Progress travel across the world to be presented by the illustrious Sydney Festival right after its world premiere in Toronto" artist Edward Burtynsky said. "I'm so grateful to know that we are officially at the beginning of having this work seen by as many people around the world as possible at a time when awareness of and the need for action on the climate crisis has never been more urgent."

In the Wake of Progress is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the CBDs Revitalisation Program.

"The NSW Government's $50 million CBDs Revitalisation Program is reigniting social connection and economic activity in urban centres across Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, through a range of arts, music, food and beverage and cultural events." Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said "In the Wake of Progress is an example of an artist's dynamic, creative vision coming to life while also driving visitation to the local area - key elements of the NSW Government's CBD's Revitalisation Program."

"Using the famous Taylor Square as a backdrop, it brings to life an exhibition space for meaningful works of art. This concept is such an exciting precedent for collaboration between cultural organisations and adaptive use of space that can shine light into the darker hours," added Michael Rodrigues, 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. "Sydney Festival has a track record in uniting Sydney's creative industries and presenting large-scale projects that draw high visitation. Showcasing the world-renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky down Sydney's iconic Oxford Street is sure to draw visitors to the precinct and fast-track local business recovery. It's particularly pleasing to see the extensive collaboration between the Sydney Festival, the Australian Museum and local businesses, now working in partnership to enliven a much-loved part of Sydney."

Alongside the presentation of this ground-breaking installation, Burtynsky will head to our shores to take part in a series of talks, co-presented by the Australian Museum and Sydney Festival, across Thursday 1, Friday 2 and Saturday 3 September.

"It's exciting to support Edward Burtynsky and Sydney Festival in the presentation of In the Wake of Progress talks at the Australian Museum. By hosting these talks, and through initiatives like our Climate Solutions Centre, the Australian Museum is committed to bringing diverse voices together to inform and inspire more Australians to support climate solutions," said Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum.

In the Wake of Progress Talks Series at the Australian Museum

Edward Burtynsky in Conversation
Thursday 1 September 7.30pm

Edward Burtynsky is one of the world's most accomplished contemporary photographers. His remarkable depictions of global industrial landscapes represent 40 years dedicated to bearing witness to the impact of humans on the planet. His photographs are displayed in over 60 of the world's major museums and most recently he was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Photography (2022) title by the World Photography Organisation.

Many of Burtynsky's most impactful images have now been collected and choreographed to an original score to create In the Wake of Progress, a moving digital art experience tracking humanity's impact on the planet. Premiering at Luminato Festival Toronto last year In the Wake of Progress now comes to Sydney, and along with it - Edward himself. Hear about the life and work of this extraordinary artist in his own words when he settles in for a conversation with ABC Radio's James Valentine.

Radical Change for a Net Zero Future
Friday 2 September 11am

Value systems, corporate structures and energy innovation come under the microscope as an illustrious panel urgently seeks pathways to global sustainability. Join host Craig Reucassel (War on Waste) in conversation with award winning environmental photographer Edward Burtynsky, Natalie Isaacs, Founder and CEO of 1 Million Women, and Diana Callebaut, Global Head of Investments at Pollination for a solution-focused discussion on climate action and reaching a sustainable future.

The Power of Photography
Saturday 3 September 11am

Scientific data and statistics alone can't connect with people - but photography can. It bridges almost any gap, transcending cultural, social and political barriers to evoke emotional responses and remind us that protecting nature today means a better planet for future generations. Join host Daniel Browning with acclaimed Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky, the 2022 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (announced 25 August), and curator and artist Dr Kristen Wehner of the National Museum of Australia, whose practice centres around transforming people's relationships with the non-human world.

Sustainable Fashion: The Next Frontier
Saturday 3 September 2pm

Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned globally.

The rise of fast fashion has dramatically accelerated global production and carbon output. Today, textile waste accounts for 92 million tonnes annually with predictions of 148 tonnes per annum by 2030. So how do you slow down a clothing juggernaut, and temper the consumer's obsession with everything new? ABC's Edwina Throsby hosts a panel discussion with three women working at the forefront of sustainable alternatives, Vice Chair of the Social Outfit, Amy Low, and designer Bianca Spender.

And in celebration of this special presentation of In the Wake of Progress, Sydney Festival is partnering with local restaurants and bars Cafe Freda's, Claire's Kitchen at le Salon, Big Poppa's, Bitter Phew, Kinselas, and Courthouse Hotel, with a range of one-off menu items and specials inspired by the work available to patrons across its three-week run.

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