Neon installations shine a light on Ballarat 

It may be winter in Ballarat but some bright neon lights are providing a warm evening glow and plenty of color in the City’s main thoroughfare along Sturt Street.

The Neon Playground consists of 14  installations by talented Melbourne artist, Carla O’Brien, as part of the extended winter activation of Ballarat’s CBD.

“This activation, which follows our successful Winter Festival,  couldn’t have come at a better time as we emerge (cautiously) out of lockdown,” Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said.

“The neon lights certainly have an impact against the backdrop of our  heritage buildings and stand as  a beacon of hope for Ballarat residents and businesses who have done such a great job keeping our City safe during this pandemic,” he said.

The creative activation is aimed at encouraging visitation into the Ballarat CBD and drive spend into venues in support of Ballarat’s night- time economy ( within social distancing restrictions).

The display will also complement  the arrival of the 1000 Doors installation due to arrive in the CBD in August.

The Neon Playground has lots of instagrammable opportunities  with the installations located in the Sturt Street gardens, spanning three blocks from Dawson to Lydiard Streets.

Large Scale installation artist Carla O’Brien is no stranger to Ballarat, with previous work including her neon ‘Angel Wings’ displayed as part of White Night.

“I’m so excited to be displaying my works again against the elegance of Ballarat’s architecture, she said.

The cluster of neon instruments next to the Queen Alexandra Bandstand (400 block) is titled ‘Neon Play the Music’ and features some pieces have that never been exhibited before including the drums, a double bass and a microphone.

A Neon Heart Archway is also making its debut in Ballarat as part of the special winter display which runs until August 19.