The artwork, created by artist Joanne Mott, was launched by the Executive Director of the National Association for the Visual Arts, Esther Anatolitis. Hepburn Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr John Cottrell and Cr Neil Newitt welcomed guests to Clunes. Deputy mayor Cr Don Henderson and Public Art Panel member Louiseann Zahra-King also attended. 

Cr Cottrell, said public art pieces were important assets for the community. 

“Art enhances liveability and increases the shire’s attractiveness to visitors,” he said.

‘Lunaris’ by artist Joanne Mott takes people on a journey, incorporating augmented reality technology that transforms the black limestone in the art piece into high definition video imagery of the moon and its surface. 

“The artwork incorporates the world’s largest known tracking marker and we look forward to attracting visitors to Clunes to experience this extraordinary art.”

Mott said the launch was ‘great’, with almost 60 people showing up despite the cold weather.

“It feels really good that it’s out there and that the fencing has finally come down.

“You always have an idea of what you want a project to look like, you envision it, so it’s strange when you finally see it and it’s out for the world to see,” she said.

“It was great seeing everybody’s reactions to the app and three dimensional sculpture of the moon too.” 

Since she first received funding for the public artwork, Mott has been working hard to develop and build the installation at Clunes skate park and accompanying mobile application. 

The app accompanying the 12 metre artwork, encrusted with quartz, will continue to evolve in future.

“I’m now thinking about new layers to build up on the app. I want the community to get involved with this process,” she said.

Mott said she encouraged anybody with questions or feedback about the app to contact the Lunaris Facebook page @lunaris2018 

The app is available for download at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/lunaris/