Vivid Live 2011 Curator
The Vivid Live Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year and attracts thousands of visitors annually. Not only is it one of the biggest music and light festivals found in the Southern Hemisphere, but it combines the thrilling displays with projections, debates and fascinating discussions. Usually the Vivid Live section of the festival, which is the concert series program of the festival, is given to a musician to co-ordinate. Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson in have had this privilege in previous years. For 2011, the curator license for Vivid Live has been given to Stephen Pavlovic.
Modular Records is an independent record label in Australia that was founded by Stephen Pavlovic, and also has a marking, merchandise and promotion division known as Modular People. It will be the first time that curatorship of Vivid Live has been given over to a non-musician, and Pavlovic is most certainly aware that he has his work cut out for him. He is, however, up for the challenge, saying “The problem is that acts have their schedules worked out six months or a year in advance. But it’ll definitely be a reflection of what I’m interested in. That’s what they’re looking for in a curator.”
Head of Contemporary Music for the Sydney Opera House, Fergus Linehan, told the media that he decided not to award the licence to a musician, as he wanted to follow the international trend, which has seen many non-musicians in curator positions for music festivals. Because of Pavlovic having offices in New York and London, it gave him the international flair that Linehan was looking for. Since establishing Modular Records in 1998, Pavlovik has worked with many well known artists such as The Avalanched, Wolfmother, Ladyhawke and The Presets.
When asked about how he felt to be awarded the curator license for Vivid Live 2011, Pavlovik answered, “I am extremely honored and excited to be given the opportunity to create an event in one of the world’s most iconic venues. It’s like I’ve been asked to prepare a 10 course degustation menu of music and art for what is clearly a Michelin starred restaurant.” The Vivid Sydney Live 2011 festival will be held at the Sydney Opera House from 27 May 2011 to 5 June 2011. It is a music extravaganza that should not be missed out on.
