Art lighting up the night
ARTS Geelong After Dark set to stimulate the senses
GEELONG’S CBD will be brought to life by a multitude of edgy and diverse artworks when Geelong After Dark returns on Friday.
The free event features the work of local, national and international artists, with the event this year exploring the theme ‘Earth’.
Art in many mediums — including spoken word, interactive, sculptural and multimedia — will appear throughout the city, with this year’s program highlights including: EARTH-INSPIRED projections on City Hall; A GLOWING rotunda in Johnstone Park; STREET art and projections in Shorts Place; and EARTHSCAPE, the interaction of recorded earth sounds, live music and the moving image.
Family-friendly experiences are prominent within the program — the interactive Amazing Art Adventure will thrill kids, taking children and their parents on a journey of discovery and learning throughout Geelong.
Families can also embrace experiences including an interactive performance by One Spirit African Drumming and Dance; Cosplay in the Dark, held by the Geelong Cosplay Society; and Flutter, a 3D art installation depicting butterflies, with many other kid-friendly activities featured in the program.
A key feature of Geelong After Dark will be its connection with the region’s unique extreme arts walk, Mountain to Mouth.
The mutli-award winning biennial walk is held over two days and starts at the You Yangs, venturing into the city for Geelong After Dark.
The next day, participants follow the Barwon River down to Barwon Heads, where Mountain to Mouth culminates in a spectacular closing ceremony at the mouth of the river.
Geelong After Dark is now in its fifth year, and Geelong’s cultural organisations are set to play a key role in the celebration of art.
Activities will take place in significant buildings including the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre; in and around the Geelong Performing Arts Centre; the Geelong Gallery; the National Wool Museum; and the Old Courthouse.
Councillor Jim Mason, chair of the arts and culture portfolio, sad Geelong After Dark was the “perfect opportunity” for our “wonderful arts community” to showcase what they do, and for the community to recognise and celebrate their talent.
“All in all it will be a memorable 24 hours,” Cr Mason said. Geelong After Dark is on from 6pm on Friday, May 4. The program, with specific times, event details and locations, is available at https:// www.geelongafterdark.com.au/201 8-programme/