By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
The City of Greater Dandenong is inviting residents to celebrate ’Burqas, Veils and Hoodies’ as part of this year’s Nocturnal public art program.
Nocturnal runs from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 June and is supported by internationally renowned projection artists Ian de Gruchy and Nick Azidis, along with RMIT and the Chrisholm Institute.
The event offers a diverse range of spectacular lighting and temporary public art projects in some unexpected places and is a fantastic way to discover night-time Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Angela Long said Nocturnal is a wonderful opportunity to experience the city after dark.
“This innovative event will bring an element of vibrancy and colour to central Dandenong’s buildings, streets and laneways,” she said.
“The community will be treated to fantastic small-scale projections, performance-based works, interactive pieces and two presentations direct from federation Square’s The Light in Winter Festival.
“The City of Greater Dandenong is proud to support this great artistic initiative and encourages all residents to attend this memorable event.”
This year Nocturnal, now in its seventh year, will not only illuminate the eight storey building at the corner of Thomas and Scott streets with 30 projections, but will illuminate a second building – the Southern Health Building at 229 Thomas Street.
Nocturnal will also entice the community to view and encounter art projects, light works and performances through four nights of free guided and self-guided night walks, starting at the Drum Theatre.
Bookings for the Nocturnal night walks are essential for both the guided and self-guided tours.
The Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre will play a key role in the Nocturnal program with an exciting exhibition – Burqas, Veils and Hoodies: identity and representation.
The display will feature works by a host of international artists from Australia, New Zealand, France, Afghanistan, Japan, Turkey and Iran.
“Nocturnal will bring a unique atmosphere of mystery, curiosity and intrigue to Central Dandenong that should not be missed,” Cr Long said.
“I encourage the community to come along to this family-friendly event and enjoy all the free entertainment on offer.”
For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.greaterdandenong.com/nocturnal.
