By Luke Voogt
City Hall’s art director has declined to rule out political agendas in next year’s Geelong After Dark following a controversial projection at last Friday’s event.
Kaz Paton defended the “edgy” projection protesting a planned coal mine in Queensland, which drew criticism from Ratepayers Geelong.
The projection, across City Hall, compared the size of the controversial proposed Adani coal mine to Geelong during the state and council funded event.
Ms Paton declined to comment on whether it was appropriate for ratepayers and taxpayers to fund the projection of art with political agendas.
She also declined to say if council would review, limit or balance political messages in next year’s Geelong After Dark.
“We review all comments… to ensure that next year’s event is even better, and we really appreciate the wonderful feedback we’ve already received,” she said.
But Ratepayers Geelong president Andrew Senia said reviewing the event’s political messaging was unnecessary.
“It shouldn’t be in there in the first place.”
Regardless of the message, council should not fund the projection of art pushing a political agenda with ratepayer and taxpayer dollars, Mr Senia said.
“What we’re against is abusing ratepayers’ money for the promotion of political agendas – whether they are right or wrong.”
Mr Senia called on council to rule out similar political protests appearing at Geelong After Dark in future.
“You have to ask the question what’s next,” he said.
“Council shouldn’t get involved with political messages because they divide the community as not everybody will agree with them.
“Ratepayers Geelong’s message to council is mind your own business and keep out of it.”
More than 20,000 people attended Geelong After Dark, according council figures, as it transformed the city centre with projections, light installations, music, costumed characters and more.
About three quarters of the earth-themed event featured Geelong artists, with several nationally and internally renowned artists joining them.
Choirs welcomed the Mouth to Mountain canoe as it passed Johnstone Park on its way from the You Yangs to the mouth of the Barwon River.
“Central Geelong has truly come alive in a fantastic showcase of the depth and diversity of regional talent,” Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said.
“This wonderful celebration gives our community an opportunity to experience its city in a new and exciting way.”
