Light of learning for all to see

Community

The University of Adelaide's motto is Sub Cruce Lumen. Roughly translated, it means "the light (of learning) under the (Southern) Cross".

But at the recent opening of the Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts, it was the Northern Lights - not the Southern Cross - that lit up the night and the University's historic North Terrace frontage.

Northern Lights, a public light installation created by internationally acclaimed artists The Electric Canvas, was a huge hit at the Festival of Arts. Its ignition at the festival opening, and each night of the festival, drew large crowds of up to 15,000 people.

The exhibit was so popular, it was extended for two weeks after the festival ended.

Supported by the State Library of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, the display used light to transform the facades of a number of historic buildings along the beautiful North Terrace cultural boulevard.

Among the architectural icons to be "painted with light and coloured with life" were the University's Mitchell Building, Elder Hall and Bonython Hall, as well as the State Library of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Northern Lights was just one way in which the University shared centre stage in the official launch of the Festival of Arts. Among the opening night events was The Imaginary Menagerie - A Musical Circus, which was staged in Elder Hall.

The Imaginary Menagerie was an exploration of the outer limits of contemporary musical performance, combining classical music, jazz and computer technology, and featuring staff, students and graduates of the University's Elder Conservatorium
of Music.

Jazz saxophonist Derek Pascoe and composer and new media artist Luke Harrald were joined by an "imaginary menagerie" of performing emus, robots, genetically engineered mutants, and some of Adelaide's leading contemporary musicians, across three 20-minute live performances.

For more information about the music performed on the night, visit: www.lukeharrald.com.au

Story by David Ellis and Robyn Mills