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 Council.
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.
It 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 among 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.
“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,” said Deputy Mayor and Creative Communities and Culture Chair, Trent Sullivan.
“It’s a really striking artwork and a fantastic celebration of the people of Geelong,” he said.
“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,” said the artist, Glen Smith.
