One Million Stars shine in King George Square

A spectacular art installation of one million handwoven stars to promote peace, light and hope in the world has been unveiled in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD in King George Square.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the One Million Stars installation would be a must see exhibit as part of Festival 2018 during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

“Thousands of people from across 15 nations have handwoven stars to promote peace and raise awareness about violence in our community.” Ms Farmer said.

“Many different groups including more than 200 Queensland schools, councils, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and country women’s associations came together to weave these stars.

“Thanks to the staggering effort of these weavers the project has more than doubled the number of stars produced from one million to 2.4 million.

“The installation is the result of a partnership between local artist Maryann Talia Pau and the Palaszczuk Government, and presented by the Museum of Brisbane,”

Ms Talia Pau said every individual star had a story.

“Each star was made with purpose to shine together as a collective symbol of hope and solidarity.”

Museum of Brisbane Director Renai Grace said the One Million Stars public art installation would awe people with its beauty, scale and message.

“The One Million Stars public artwork is a fully immersive experience, inviting visitors inside a four-metre high, 15-metre wide dome created from 370 brightly coloured star garlands, forming a kaleidoscopic effect accompanied by a soundscape created by artist Michelle Xen,” she said.

“As well as working closely with Maryann, we’ve collaborated with artist studio Lumen.Cloud to design and illuminate the artwork to create a spectacular after-dark experience for visitors.

“One Million Stars is an extraordinary example of how art can unite people in an optimistic, reflective and hopeful way.”

“King George Square is an amazing public platform made available to the project through the support from Brisbane City Council”

Minister Farmer said due to the staggering amount of stars woven the project would roll-out statewide.

“Star installations will be at Carrara Stadium, the Athlete’s Village, the Brisbane Powerhouse during WOW (Women of the World) Festival, along the Cairns Esplanade and in Queen’s Gardens in Townsville,” she said.

The One Million Stars installation will be on display in King George Square from March 29 to April 15, 2018.

Festival 2018 is the largest arts and cultural program in Queensland’s history and will be held on the Gold Coast and in the Event Cities of Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

To find out more about One Million Stars visit museumofbrisbane.com.au and for the Festival 2018 program visit https://www.gc2018.com/festival2018

Media contact:          Ron Goodman                       0427 781 920