The Light in Winter - Federation Square

Where: Federation Square, Melbourne
When: 1 June - 1 July
Price: Free
P: +61 3 9655 1900
E: info@fedsquare.com

The Light in Winter brings together local and international artists, designers, architects, filmmakers and multicultural groups in a free, month-long program of light sculptures, talks, events, workshops, performances and the much-loved Solstice Celebration.

Directed by Robyn Archer, this 2012 program draws inspiration from the National Year of Reading, celebrating the way that reading and the “word” enlighten us. From ghostly text messages and lights for the blind to Pacific Islander body art, literary and oral traditions are re-imagined in surprising ways.

Now in its sixth year, The Light in Winter has welcomed design luminaries from around the world, including Bruce Ramus, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Srinivas Krishna and United Visual Artists.

This year Federation Square has commissioned an ambitious new work from Spanish collective Luzinterruptus, whose playful interventions have brought light to the streets of Madrid, New York and Berlin.

Beginning with the first bright sparks of Indigenous campfire, Leempeeyt Weeyn, The Light in Winter will grow steadily throughout the month, with local artists and designers creating a village of light that will envelop the site.

Every day of the season, there will be something new to see and do, including calligraphy workshops, dinners in the dark and the intriguing prospect of pajama-clad Melburnians Reading in Bed!

The Solstice Celebration will be held on the Saturday night closest to the true winter solstice, the longest night of the year and the beginning of the journey towards Spring (Saturday 23 June).

In ‘a night of a thousand lights’ more than 20 multicultural groups will connect in a free public program of music, dance, food and storytelling, with visitors encouraged to share in the glow of 1000 hand-made lanterns.