
Lighting Up Camperdown
Illuminating landmarks after dark - celebrating community spirit and artistic expression
Corangamite Shire Council
Camperdown, Djargurd Whurrung & Eastern Maar Country, Victoria
Artbox brought on to assist Corangamite Shire Council with creating a vibrant and engaging Light Up Camperdown festival to bring the community of Camperdown together and draw visitors to the town.
Artbox was tasked with highlighting the iconic Manifold Clock Tower and Courthouse Camperdown, by turning them into focal points for the Light Up Camperdown event. The Manifold Clock Tower is constructed as a 31.4 metre high Gothic Revival style tower, the only structure of this kind in Australia, occupying a commanding position and standing serenely on the main street with its Avenue of Honour. The Finlay Avenue of Elms, Manifold Clock Tower, Public Monument Precinct, and Courthouse Camperdown are historically and socially important as celebrated and instantly recognisable landmark features.
Our brief was to design lighting to enhance these historic landmarks in a way that highlighted the town's history, contributing to the festive atmosphere of the inaugural Christmas event. Working closely with the Corangamite Shire Council, Artbox delivered a comprehensive lighting design, selecting lighting colours to reflect the values of inclusivity and community engagement, aligning with the Council’s policies while enhancing the visual impact of these historic sites. Our lighting installations were to deliver permanent outcomes while allowing for future capacity for dynamic lighting programs to suit various events. Overseeing the installation, the final results respected the past and were exciting for the present.
The Light Up Camperdown festival had a significant festive impact on the town and local community. The festival, enriched by the artistic contributions of local students and performers, successfully attracted visitors, boosted local businesses, and reinforced Camperdown’s identity as a vibrant and creative town in Western Victoria.
Permanent lighting installations add a new dimension to these historical sites, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the community. The illuminated landmarks have become a centrepiece of the town’s festivities and nightlife.
Services
Lighting Design
Lighting Programming
Hardware Procurement
Installation Oversight
Remote Lighting Controls
Operation Services
Project Oversight
Maintenance Services
Challenge
Approach
Impact

Photo Credits Wildhoney, Glenn Wilson
Outcomes
Transformation of town landmarks after dark – Manifold Clock Tower and Courthouse Camperdown transformed into visually striking, illuminated landmarks
Cultural and historical recognition – emphasising the historical importance of Camperdown’s landmarks, adding to the town’s appeal for both locals and tourists
Promoted inclusivity – lighting colors and designs align with the community's values promoting respect, inclusivity, and pride among local residents
Boost to local economy – attracting locals and out-of-town visitors, encouraging shopping and dining for local businesses, with a positive economic impact
Capacity and flexibility for future events – permanent lighting and remote control systems allow for future events and lighting programs tailored to various occasions