Artwork to run through heart of Moorabool Street

THE median strip running through the heart of Moorabool Street will be turned into a large-scale public artwork under a City of Greater Geelong project to be installed next month.

Designed by Melbourne artist Bradley Eastman, known professionally as Beastman, the installation draws on the Moorabool River, Geelong’s landscape and the city’s evolving cultural identity.

The artwork will incorporate 1.4 tonnes of recycled glass, equivalent to about 6,860 beer bottles diverted from Victorian landfill.

The median strip works will be accompanied by a lighting upgrade, with 53 lights to be upgraded and existing infrastructure repurposed along the street.

The enhanced lighting system will be capable of displaying different colours to acknowledge significant events.

Works will be carried out at night over two weeks in May and June to minimise disruption to motorists and nearby businesses.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the project would help improve central Geelong.

“I’ve often spoken about how Central Geelong has a lot to offer, but we’ve had issues with its core for a long time,” he said.

“This incredible artwork and lighting upgrade will now make meaningful steps towards our city’s core being something that we can all be proud of and show off to national and international visitors using the new convention centre.”

Eastman said the artwork was intended to connect the city’s natural and urban environments.

“I am excited to be the artist tasked with injecting colour and vibrancy into Moorabool Street,” he said.

“For me this artwork is about collaborating with the existing built environment and creating a visual connection between Geelong’s natural history, its evolving urban landscape and the movement of people through the city every day.

“I want the artwork to feel energetic and rhythmic, like a current running through Moorabool Street, while also reflecting the layered stories and natural landscapes that have shaped the Greater Geelong area over time.”