The Meaning of Light is something I have been working with Fed Square Management on for the past couple of months and it is now with great pleasure that I can spill the beans about what it’s all about.

In June Rafael Lozano-Hemmer will be at Fed Square adding the finishing touches to a brand new light-based visual arts project, one of the most significant visual art projects ever seen in Melbourne.  As part of the Light in Winter festival Electrolight has organised a special event on the main stage at Fed Square – right under Rafael’s installation – The Meaning of Light.

Not only will attendees get to see Rafael’s installation in its final stages of commissioning a day prior to the official launch, attendees will hear from a range of speakers who will each give a short presentation on what light means to them.  The audience will hear from leading figures in the arts (including Rafael himself), photography, architecture, theatre and other design fields who will discuss their love of light, how it influences their world and inspires them.  The presentations will be supported by evocative images rendered large on the giant Fed Square screen.

Afterwards there will be an open forum discussion at Zinc bar.

It’s all going to be very, very cool.

Watch this space for updates over the coming months.

Thursday 3 June 7.00pm start.

One of Rafael's previous installations

While I will always be true to my English heritage, at this time of year in particular it’s great to be an Aussie.

Yesterday was Australia Day, a national public holiday where Australians are encouraged to think of the things that make this nation what it is.  For many this is a trip to the beach, a barbecue, sharing a drink or two with friends. That certainly was schedule for the Beale family yesterday.

I think it’s also worth reflecting on the where the Australian lighting design industry is at and I’m pleased to report that things are looking good.  There are more clients and architects insisting that a specialist be appointed to design lighting to projects.  It’s almost unheard of now for a public project not to call for a specialist designer to be part of the consultant team.  And the scope for the specialist designer appears to be growing too - we are not just being asked to design the transitional spaces such as foyers and lobbies but also the less sexy spaces such as offices.  I believe there is more satisfaction in getting these spaces right because that’s where people will be spending most of their time.

I’m seeing more interest in things like the IALD in Australia and envisage membership to grow.  Fed Square will be holding their Light in Winter again this year - I have seen the plans and believe me it will be by far the best yet.  Then there is State of Design which has a dedicated lighting trade show and associated lecture series (curated by Electrolight).  Then we have the guys from Objective Light who will be arranging some more fantastic talks, building on their successes last year.  Then there is the IES international lighting design awards in March (in which Electrolight has 2 short-listed entries).

It’s going to be an exciting year for Electrolight and for the lighting industry as a whole.  Bring it on.

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to John Ford who leaves us for pastures new.

John has made a fantastic contribution to Electrolight over the 5  years he has been with us, having led some of our most significant projects such as the MTC theatre and Recital Hall.  Aside from these better known projects John has had a hand in almost all of our other projects and his knowledge and contribution will be missed.

Good luck John and thank you.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

John’s last piece of work with us, aiming lights to DCM’s portals on the new Westgate Freeway, Saturday night, 9pm.