Manifesto
August 8, 1996
amended: December 2001
The Citylights public art project began life as an idea in early 1995 and the first exhibition was staged at Centre Place in September 1996.
The Concept: Four lightboxes hung high on the wall of a dead end alley off a lane in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, with exhibitions of new work by artists staged every six weeks or so. Citylights exhibition openings are held on-site and in the street, block party style, and feature audio and performance art.
The Tactic: To put contemporary art in front of the public as they go about their everyday business, utiliseing a presentation method that is arguably the most universally understood language on Earth – Advertising.
The project was devised by Andrew McDonald, Richard Butler-Bowdon, Lyndal Walker and Richard Brownfield. Dissatisfied with the limited audience base of traditional galleries and the sterility of four white walls, the artists designed Citylights with ease of access and informality in mind.
From 1996 to 2001 Citylights was directed and curated by Andrew McDonald and Richard Butler-Bowdon. Since 2001 Citylights has been directed by Andrew McDonald.
In 1998 a second site was established in Hosier Lane, situated within view of Melbournes’ Federation Square. The site utilises 8 lightboxes and has a captive audience of bar goers as well as pedestrians.
SITE DESCRIPTION
The Centre Place site is composed of four large lightboxes (1.5 x 1.2 m. ) situated 10 – 15 metres high above ground level in a cul-de-sac off Centre Place. A smaller lightbox at the head of the alley features information on artist’s work, sponsors and Web addresses. Our research indicates that this alley is visited daily by up to 40, 000 office- workers, shoppers, domestic and international tourists, thus making Citylights Centre Place one of Australia’s most visited art galleries.
The Hosier Lane site consists of eight lightboxes (0.8 X 1.1m). Three smaller lightboxes provide sponsor and artist details. This site forms a 25 metre long gallery located on the western side of the Forum theatre, along a bluestone cobbled thoroughfare adjacent to Federation Square, bars and cafes.
Further sites within Melbournes’ CBD and ultimately nationally and internationally are planned for the near future.
CITYLIGHTS OBJECTIVES
To broaden the audience and context for contemporary visual art, and increase its accessibility.
To approach an audience from a street level perspective outside of standard gallery settings.
To provide a unique, purpose built outdoor venue for artists in which they have the opportunity to engage with the wider community.
To provide a community focal point for artists and designers living and working in the City.
To contribute through the project’s activities to the cultural dialogue and identity of Melbourne.