The city’s Sydney and Melbourne buildings have been illuminated with the work of two Canberra artists for this year’s Enlighten Festival.
Chief Executive of the City Renewal Authority, Malcolm Snow said the historic buildings that mark the entry to the city would be lit up until 9 March with five colourful creations – four from local artists Jodie Cunningham and George Rose and one created from the neon shapes of the festival’s 2020 branding (pictured).
Ms Cunningham said her Canberra Journeys – Canberra Futures creation reflected the idea of small and large life journeys and a community’s journey through unprecedented weather events and bushfire disasters.
“The work I have created for Enlighten 2020 includes symbols of gratitude and hope that respond to the 2020 bushfire emergency and the urgent need for climate repair,” Ms Cunningham said.
Mr Snow said the illumination of the Sydney and Melbourne buildings last year brought a sense of visual excitement to the festival.
“We have built on that success with an even bigger program in the city centre this year,” Mr Snow said.
“With a number of bold, colourful designs the buildings will look better than ever and people will be able to experience Enlighten when visiting or travelling through the city centre.”
He said the Canberra Centre had also joined in the festival spirit with five ‘mini beast’ installations, including a gesture-controlled humming ‘Neon Cuckoo Bee’, an enormous proximity-activated butterfly and a touch-sensor singing cicada.
“We will also stage performances and activities during the evening to entertain and occupy people until it’s dark enough to fully enjoy the illuminations,” Mr Snow said.
“Enlighten is fantastic festival for our city and we want to continue to make sure that our city centre reflects the important events that are taking place in Canberra,” he said.
