Artworks from the Newcastle Art Gallery will be a part of an interactive night-time attraction helping to liven up some of the city’s underused spaces.
City of Newcastle’s Night Spaces Project will see artworks displayed on 15 illuminated light boxes, including interactive elements and an augmented reality feature to provide information about the art.
The first group of lightboxes are already operational in Kuwami Place on Hunter Street, with additional installations to be delivered at Market Street and in Pacific Park early next year.
The light boxes are designed to be relocatable for use at other sites or major events.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said the light boxes would share the Gallery’s vast collection and would feature different displays for each location.
“The works of art selected for Kuwami Place, for example, explore the genre of portraiture from the Gallery’s collection,” Morton said.
“Iconic images include Portrait of a Strapper by William Dobell, portraits of Margaret Olley in her Church Street terrace and Rupert Bunny’s emotive portrait of muse and wife Jeanne.
“Some works make a comment on social issues to engage those interacting with the light boxes, whilst other works depict a simple interaction between the artist and the subject in the picture.”
The light boxes were built locally using sustainable products and are solar-powered featuring an internal battery to illuminate the artworks and drive the sensor-based lighting features.
Augmented reality displays designed for each artwork will also add a further digital interactivity layer.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the project would enhance public spaces at night for the betterment of the community.
“The purpose-built interactive light boxes are innovative solutions to activating underutilised spaces throughout our city at night,” Cr Clausen said.
“Utilising cutting-edge interactive smart city technology, City of Newcastle partnered with the University of Newcastle and a local industrial design business to create these bespoke light boxes.
“They offer a new way for the community to interact with Newcastle Art Gallery’s nationally significant collection while also helping to illuminate and attract people to these locations at night.”
Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle