On Friday night, Geelong After Dark transformed the City from the ordinary into the extraordinary. Now in its fifth year, this multi-sensory event has evolved into a unique celebration of the arts, an experimental space in which artists converge to explore new technologies and ways of seeing.
Interactive experiences: projections on buildings and walls; installations and street art down laneways; theatre on street corners; music on steps and under balconies; costumed characters in buildings; illuminations in the park; music and dancing in public spaces – over 18,000 people of all ages converged and engaged with art in the heart of our City.
Seventy percent of the immersive Geelong After Dark experience was presented by professional and emerging Geelong artists. Joining our local artists were a number of nationally and internationally renowned artists, including Baby Guerilla, contemporary artist Kathy Howloko (Spider-Goat and the Insect Electro) and John Fish, the Melbourne-based multidisciplinary creative studio.
Minister for Tourism and Events Hon John Eren launched Geelong After Dark in the forecourt of Barwon Water, the setting for stunning projections from local artist Joel Zika and Sydney-based collective Create or Die.
A highlight of the night was the Gathering of the City in Johnstone Park, part of the biennial Mountain to Mouth (M~M), extreme arts walk. Choirs and lanterns led the procession of walkers and the ephemeral M~M sculpture Canoe along Gheringhap Street to the City. Audiences danced and sang in unison with the walkers and performers as Gathering of the City coincided with Geelong After Dark.
For the first time, After After Dark extended the Geelong After Dark experience from 10pm in the Lt Malop St precinct.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Geelong After Dark is a wonderful opportunity to welcome more visitors to our region, support jobs and generate more business for our restaurants, bars and clubs.”
“Geelong has proved time and time again that it can put on a show, which is why we can’t wait to bring White Night here in October.”
Quotes attributable to City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood:
"Geelong’s reputation as a cultural destination continues to grow through events such as Geelong After Dark. This wonderful celebration gives our community an opportunity to experience its city in a new and exciting way."
"Central Geelong has truly come alive in a fantastic showcase of the depth and diversity of regional talent."
"It’s also been particularly pleasing to see the engagement and involvement of central Geelong’s cultural organisations and businesses."
Media inquiries: Desiree Jacobson Cultural Marketing and Communications Officer media@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
