This after-dark public art brings together those who don't want to walk alone

There’s something captivating about night-time cityscapes. When the sun goes down, towering structures seem to stretch up into the stars, their outline softened by shadows and sleeping greenery.

Central Canberra is no different. Lit up by hues of silver and gold that dance on the still waters of Lake Burley Griffin, the nation’s capital comes alive in a different way once the moon rises.

Fiona Hooton recognises this and plans to use the city’s evening allure as the perfect backdrop for contemporary public art. She’s the founder of Localjinni, an arts tourism service led by women.

A collective invention project, Localjinni screens visual art, poetry, music, film, oral history and digital stories on the street. The group lights up benches, walls, paths and buildings – almost anywhere except inside traditional arts venues.

Fiona and her team have researched the National Film and Sound Archive, National Library and National Portrait Gallery for rare perspectives of the city and combined them with contemporary revisions and new works. Participants experience otherwise unseen qualities of the city, through mobile projections on an immersive art walk.

Fiona says they do this to explore the possibilities and impacts of public art and urban play.

“The moon isn’t just a celestial object. It’s a powerful symbol that facilitates connection, collaboration and storytelling across generations,” she says.

“But to many, the thought of being out on their own after dark sparks safety concerns. We take this out of the equation by travelling as a group, bringing together those who love cities at night but don’t want to walk alone.

“Our Lakeside Moonwalks not only showcase local artists and reimagine public spaces around the national triangle, but offer a chance to gather in the moonlight with likeminded others, experiencing the city after dark in a playful way.”

A variety of displays, each with its own story to tell, are set to entrance visitors with unique visuals and sounds.

Walkers will also be able to track their steps through the MADE Walking app, free on the app store, and transform the evening’s journey into a one-of-a-kind digital artwork as a keepsake.

The Lakeside Moonwalks are part of the 2024 Canberra Art Biennial, previously known as Contour 556. Now in its fifth iteration, the festival has big plans to show off its evolution, bringing 60 artists to a range of stages across the capital.

Creative producer Tegan Garnett joined the team this year thanks to funding from artsACT. She has worked hard alongside artists and venues to build a vibrant events program that highlights diverse perspectives.

“The Canberra Art Biennial began as a means for exploring and incorporating public art and sculpture into the city’s shared spaces,” Tegan says.

“It has become a platform for diverse stories and perspectives, as told through these artworks and installations. Positioning conversations in the public realm that have been initiated by our artists supports a closer connection between the local communities and the city.”

Every piece in the festival’s packed program comments on some part of Canberra’s history – 65,000 years ago, present day or somewhere in between.

Tegan says diversity is crucial in presenting the broad scope of public art and elevating the voice of each artist.

“As a young festival, we are uniquely placed to allow artists to experiment and test in a supported, low-stakes environment. For both established and emerging artists alike. This is important, I think, for artists to have the place to reimagine,” she says.

“If you can’t imagine different kinds of spaces or futures, you can’t create change. Localjinni does this really nicely amongst Canberra’s landscape, and bringing the community together to reimagine collectively.”

Alongside Localjinni’s night walks, Tegan is especially excited to present the sculptural installations of Wiradjuri artist and poet, Jazz Money, on the waterfront of Lake Burley Griffin, and contemporary artist, Bronte Cormican-Jones, on the National Film and Sound Archive lawn.

Canberra Art Biennial 2024 is now in motion until 26 October. Check out the work of 60 talented artists in the full festival program.

Localjinni’s Lakeside Moonwalks will be held on 19 October from 8 pm to 9:30 pm and 2 November from 8:30 pm to 10 pm. Book your spot via Humanitix.