Lights, camera, action as The Hotel Windsor becomes a canvas for artists

Artists from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) at the University of Melbourne, will transform Melbourne's historic landmark, The Hotel Windsor, into an inspiring and captivating art space later this year.

The exhibition from 26 July to 5 September will feature conceptual and material interpretations of  Luminescence  in many of the hotel's unique spaces as the Grand Dame of Spring Street celebrates its 130th anniversary. It will also include the illumination of the hotel's  facade.

Visitors will see creative use of the hotel's multitude of quirky spaces, including ceilings, lift wells, fireplaces, guest corridors, lights, windows and historic staircases.

A highlight of the exhibition will be The Windsor Art Award that will provide a $10,000 scholarship to the winner. Judges include renowned art photographer Bill Henson; Assistant Director of the National Gallery of Victoria (Curatorial and Collection Management), Dr Isobel Crombie; and Jan Murray, Head of School of Art (VCA).

Luminescence has significant relevance for both The Windsor and the VCA with its connotations of enlightenment, the luminosity of both the hotel and emerging artists and the luminaries who have been an integral part of both institutions for a combined history of almost 280 years. Supporting the exhibition will be the illumination of the hotel exterior by two of Australia's most respected lighting designers. The illumination on 15 August will provide a dazzling backdrop as the winner is announced at a gala awards ceremony to be held at the hotel.

"The Windsor is thrilled to provide an artistic canvas and award to some of Australia's greatest emerging talent. Luminescence will be a stimulating platform to visually and orally communicate to the community and visitors to Melbourne the integral components of service, guests, employees and history that have formed the hotel's rich tapestry and soul," said Mr Adipoetra Halim, Hotel Director of the Halim Group, owner of The Windsor. The head of VCA School of Art Jan Murray said: "This partnership with The Hotel Windsor presents a unique opportunity for our Honours and Graduate students at the VCA to explore the history of the hotel and experiment creatively in a completely new environment."

The exhibition signals a new partnership in 2013 between two of Melbourne's most cherished institutions. In 2017, the VCA School of Art will celebrate 150 years since the establishment of its predecessor, the National Gallery School. 2013 marks the 130th anniversary of The Hotel Windsor as one of the world's most cherished grand hotels, which pre-dates The Savoy in London, Raffles in Singapore, the Ritz in Paris and The Plaza in New York. Past and present notable guests include Vivien Leigh, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir Robert Helpmann, Katharine Hepburn, Gina Lollobrigida, Lauren Bacall, Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Gregory Peck,  Meryl Streep, Barry Humphries, Royalty and a long list of Australian Prime Ministers.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews