By Mikayla van Loon
Bringing light and art to Croydon’s main street is the objective of a new project being explored by Maroondah City Council, with expressions of interest open for artists to apply.
The project aims to engage three artists as a commissioned project to bring four light installations to alleyways in the main thoroughfares of Croydon.
As a project supported by Victoria Police, Maroondah councillor Tasa Damante said it has been designed to improve the perception of safety in these areas.
“The aim of the project is to commission opportunities and create opportunities for local artists to the area, just to provide a lighting installation just to help with improving the perception of the safety in laneways,” she said.
“It will obviously add some vibrancy and colour to the area as well and just give an opportunity to just light Croydon up and make it really beautiful.”
Having undertaken similar projects along Larissa Avenue where artist Ash Keating created a kaleidoscope lighting installation giving a rainbow effect, as well as the Croydon Connects Project to light up pedestrian access, Cr Damante said it has added to perceived safety.
“It definitely helped with safety. People feel a little bit more comfortable walking through the area, knowing there is a bit more light and it has resulted in some reduced crime and graffiti in the area,” she said.
Identifying four laneways that are used most frequently by people visiting Main Street to shop or access public transport, the idea is to brighten them up, something that has been well received by the Croydon Main Street Traders, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, Orange Door and Anglicare.
As a public art project, the hope is also that Reignite Croydon – Laneway Lights will become an attraction for visitors, diners and travellers, where people can stop and take photos.
While artists are invited to design the lighting project from their own experiences, Cr Damante said she would like to see connection to the local area.
“We’re hoping the artists bring their own influence to their art piece but obviously we’re hoping that we can work with the artists as well to provide some relevance back to the area.
“So this could be through different landmarks or history of the area or drawing attention to nearby architectural features, anything that connects back to the community.”
With a professional development opportunity also available through the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, there is a pull towards the inclusion of First Nations culture and storytelling through art should this be decided on in the mentor, mentee partnership.
Although the expression of interest alert has been spread nationwide, Cr Damante said she would love to see local artists getting involved in this project.
Information about the project can be found via the council’s website by going to www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/Explore/ArtsInMaroondah/Arts-things-to-see-and-do/Public-Art-in-Maroondah/Public-art-news-and-opportunities
Expressions of interest are open until Thursday 23 February and can be submitted to publicart@maroondah.vic.gov.au
