The Plus Ones attended the Glow Winter Arts Festival’s launch party on a chilly Melbourne night. I must admit as I read the invite I thought, “…?” A rooftop car park with a giant circus-like marquee that is illuminated on the inside with some serious glow…
Exxopolis – photo courtesy Lamar Francois
The Glow Festival is a new initiative by the City of Stonnington and is designed to showcase the City’s artistic talent with 50 arts-based events from 14-24 August.
The heart of the Festival is the Exxopolis Luminarium on the Jam Factory’s rooftop. We explored Exxopolis like kids in a candy store. It’s a luminated maze with each turn leading to another glowing installation. We went through it at nighttime, but I’ve heard that it’s even better during the day when the sun’s rays create some interesting distortions.
Zebra crossing – photo courtesy Glow Festival
While Exxopolis is the centrepiece, the Glow Festival is spread across Prahran, Malvern, Armadale, Toorak, Windsor and South Yarra. Glow’s breadth is admirable with performances across the stage, street (make sure to take in the roving street performers of Arts Burst at least once), comedy, and music.
mimes at the Glow launch party – photo courtesy Jim Lee Photo
Each day is jam packed. I’d recommend making a day out of it to soak up as much as you can. Some of my picks — which I think best encapsulate the spirit of the Festival — are:
- Glow Block Party – UV lights will power up to make it glow! Wear white.
- Lumen – UV works of art
- Como House – A candlelit tour of one of Melbourne’s landmarks
- EMIT – check out art that emits light
Ruki, City of Stonnington’s Abby, her +1, Theresa, and Theresa’s +1 – photo courtesy Jim Lee Photo
mime children at the Glow launch – photo courtesy Jim Lee Photo
Enjoy yourself on the south side the next few weeks!
-Ruki
