Now in its eighth year, Federation Square’s annual winter program ‘The Light in Winter’, directed by arts luminary Robyn Archer AO, will bring together local and international artists for a nightly program of free events, performances and exhibitions, culminating in the Solstice Celebration on the true winter solstice, Saturday 21 June. The free, mid-winter celebration marks the longest night of the year and the new journey toward spring.
The three-week program will illuminate Federation Square after dusk with the world premiere of Radiant Lines – an interactive, illuminated, large-scale, sculptural shrine from UK design wunderkind Asif Khan (London Olympics + Sochi Winter Olympics), in his first Australian commission.
“In 2014, arising from the many conversations which take place in preparation for this event, the theme of cycles and circles of life arose. It clearly connects to Asif’s new work. That led to the notion of shrines, and the role that shrines play in the city, in community and in individual moments of memorialisation and remembrance.
It’s befitting that Federation Square – given its proximity to the Shrine of Remembrance, the spires of St Pauls and the Arts Centre and the shrine to sport that is the MCG – will host an array of illuminated shrines this year, including an opportunity for everyone to enter a custom-built video booth to design their own” Robyn explained. “We are also very proud to announce the inaugural Kirra Illuminated Glass Award, a $15,000 prize and exhibition of finalists, in collaboration with The Light in Winter.”
The tradition of the Indigenous campfire ‘Leempeeyt Weeyn’, which burns continuously throughout The Light in Winter, returns to the Square. Designed by Vicki Couzens and programmed by Rob Bundle, it extends a welcome from the traditional owners and creates the hub for a rich program of fireside events.
Celebrating diversity and harmony, the Solstice Celebration will feature an array of artists and performers, showcasing work ranging from puppetry to electromechanics, sculpture to architecture, LED to sound, along with a variety of events and program highlights.
The Light in Winter 2014
1 to 22 June, 2014
Federation Square, Melbourne
Concept image for Radiant Lines
