This year Sydney was chosen to be the host of the 2023 WorldPride, marking the first time this event will be hosted in the southern hemisphere. To celebrate 45 years of Mardi Gras, Sydney WorldPride has reached out to organisations across Greater Sydney to be part of the Rainbow City project, with Sydney being transformed with 45 rainbow public art installations around the city for locals and visitors to enjoy throughout the festival season.
Charter Hall’s Pacific Square is thrilled to be one of the 45 destinations chosen, featuring their ‘Embrace the Rainbow’ activation in Town Square with ‘The Love Shack’, ‘Rainbow Runway’ and ‘Oversized Ice Creams’ as part of the takeover.
The Love Shack, Rainbow Runway and Oversized Ice Creams feature as part of the takeover
Located near the iconic Maroubra Beach and Oxford Street, the centre’s ‘Town Square’ dining precinct has proven to be a popular spot for tourists and the community to come together, dine and feel a sense of belonging.
Charter Hall’s Regional Marketing Manager Rhys Simonds says, “Pacific Square is honoured to have been chosen as one of the destinations, launching the Embrace the Rainbow installations in Town Square. The activation is inspired by the coastal vibe of the Maroubra area and embraces an inclusive space for everyone to celebrate diversity and honour the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The oversized ice creams are designed by Chas Clarkson and painted by local queer artist, Jeff McCann. Jeff is a Sydney-based creative who works within both visual and performing arts. The majority of his work specialises in community engagement projects, public art, workshops and education, collaborations, illustration, props and fashion.
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- The oversized ice creams are designed by Chas Clarkson and painted by local queer artist, Jeff McCann
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- The oversized ice creams are designed by Chas Clarkson and painted by local queer artist, Jeff McCann
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- The oversized ice creams are designed by Chas Clarkson and painted by local queer artist, Jeff McCann
McCann says, “My creative and artistic practice strives to create works that are inclusive and encourage audience engagement, fun and hints at childhood nostalgia. The design of the ice creams has been inspired by the colours of the Progressive Pride Flag and that childhood memory of eating ice creams in the summer heat and having it melt and drip down your arm.”
The eye motif is also a recurring motif in his work that symbolises his motto of ‘You Do You’ and forging your own path creatively.
Pacific Square will also be providing tunes from LGBTQIA+ DJs and treat visitors with rainbow snow cones from Friday to Sunday until the 5th March.
The ‘Town Square’ dining precinct has proven to be a popular spot for tourists and the community to come together
