A new neon
artwork is lighting up Clare Street in Central Geelong thanks to a partnership
between the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong.
The artwork
by local artist Glen Smith is a 21st century nod to John Brack’s famous 1955
painting Collins Street, 5pm.
The artwork, Clare
Street, 5pm has been installed on The Grace Church as part of a program to
activate outdoor areas and support Greater Geelong’s night-time economy.
The artwork
shows figures strolling along the street leaving neon shadows playing on the
walls.
The lights
were produced by Custom Neon and installed by Lifestyle Electrical.
Artist George
Rose has also created a neon artwork on the Busport Building on the corner of
Clare and Brougham Streets. The work, Bright Blooms, focuses on endemic,
rare or endangered floral species found within Greater Geelong.
Love Central
Geelong neon signs were recently installed on Little Malop Street to add extra
ambiance to Geelong’s popular dining and entertainment precinct.
Neon lighting
has been installed on two trees on Clare Street and a tree on the corner of
Western Beach Road and Cunningham Street.
The lighting
projects are amongst several infrastructure investments happening across
Greater Geelong with support from the Victorian Government’s COVID Safe Outdoor
Activation Fund.The appeal of
Geelong’s Waterfront has been boosted with investment in new outdoor furniture
to help locals and visitors make the most of Western Beach, Eastern Beach,
Fisherman’s Basin Marina, Fairnie Park, and Steampacket Quay.
Deputy
Mayor and Creative Communities and Culture Chair, Trent Sullivan:
Our local
tradespeople normally install neon signs for businesses, so it’s exciting to
see their lighting skills used in collaboration with a local artist. It’s a
really striking artwork and a fantastic celebration of the people of Geelong.
Christine
Couzens MP, Member for Geelong
It’s great
that the State Government’s COVID Safe Outdoor Activation Fund has provided
work for local businesses, and helped make the city centre a more vibrant place
to visit.
Artist
Glen Smith
I wanted to
create an artwork that reflects the way Geelong is changing and growing, while
also celebrating the joy and colour of our nightlife.