Our top picks to enjoy an edgier side of Vivid at Hollywood Quarter

Sydney-based multidisciplinary artist Jazz Money has been commissioned by cultural curators Arts-Matter to create a work reflecting the longstanding feminist history of Hotel Hollywood. Jazz Money’s work is called Light Beyond Horizon and it will be free to view. The neon artwork will be displayed on the facade of the Hotel Hollywood each night from May 26 until June 17.

Money’s work is known for exploring identity, intersectionality and the experiences of women and non-binary people of colour, making them well-suited to showcase the story of this venue. Hotel Hollywood was one of the first places in Sydney where women could drink alone without fear of harassment, with staff trained to intervene.

Head to the Paramount House Hotel at the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios to see an artwork and light show installation from Aeden Lee that embraces visual chaos. There’ll be laser lights and kinetic elements including a hanging rotary platform to bathe the forms in visual chaos.

Aeden Lee is a painter, sculptor and photographer living in Sydney. His installation utilises time, space and perspective and aims to make the viewer slow down and observe the ever changing situation, providing a moment away from daily activities. If you’re as intrigued as we are, the installation is free to view from May 26 until June 17.

Behind the Ace Hotel Sydney you’ll find Foy Lane, and for four Saturday nights during Vivid this inconspicuous laneway will metamorphose into a showcase of the latest and greatest in Australia’s digital art scene. 

Visit for free between May 26 and June 17 to see exhibitions curated by Arts-Matter and Culture Vault, as well as talks, drinks and opportunities to meet the artists. The roster will showcase multidisciplinary artists with varied and visionary styles, including Sammy Yee, Tim Grove, David Porte Beckefeld, Jessica Ticchio, Byron Spencer and Rel Pham.

Italian diner Alberto’s Lounge is taking their Tempo della Musica experience to a whole new level over three Sundays during Vivid Sydney. An eclectic cast of vinyl DJs will be hitting the decks for collaborative sets that are sure to create a memorable audial dining experience.

Enjoy food and drink pairings designed to match the music as you listen to the latin rhythms of Foxy Fuzz (May 28), the Afro groove of Dan Lupica (June 4), the Italo disco of Marco Vella (June 11). Each of these genres have served as inspiration in the kitchen of Alberto’s chef, Liz.

If you haven’t tried the new restaurant upstairs at the Rover, Vivid is the perfect time. The chefs at the Rover have designed a pre-Vivid meal with a line-up of their most popular seafood bistro style dishes that will have you out in plenty of time to catch the Vivid lights.

The menu is available Tuesday-Sunday and the restaurant is only four minutes walk to Central, where you can join the main Vivid trail.