Description given on Youtube:
Italian immigration in Australia dates back to the beginning of white settlement with Italians appearing in the first Census produced in New South Wales in 1828. Mass migration saw 360,000 Italians arrive between 1947 and 1976 (Rando, 2000). In the century between 1870 and 1970, 26 million people migrated from Italy (Gabaccia, 2006) many to multicultural Australia which now has the third highest level of foreign population (Frost, Reeves, Laing, & Wheeler, 2009). The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that Italian culture is strongly present in Australia, especially in Queensland where over 100,000 people are of Italian origin and of these 27,000 are Italian speakers while 15,000 are also Italian Citizens. These numbers make Italians one of the largest ethnic groups in the State (Arrighi, 1991). Italian migrants brought into the Australian lifestyle their own traditions and culture, playing a crucial role in establishing the multicultural identity of Queensland (Pesman & Kevin, 2001).
It is in this environment in 2007, that a premium cultural Italian festival in Queensland was created. The Italian Consul General suggested that the influence of Italian Culture in Australia needed to be emphasized, promoting a modern and dynamic Italy. Italian Week commenced as a collaboration between the Italian Government and the Queensland Government, with the first festival paying special attention to the story of Italian migration and its contribution to the enrichment of Australian culture.
The festival occurs in various cities around Queensland focusing on Brisbane, and marks the ‘Festa della Republica’, the Italian National holiday celebrated on the second day of June. It commemorates the institutional referendum of 1946 when the Italian population was called to decide between a monarchy and republic following the Second World War and the fall of Fascism. After 85 years of monarchy Italy became a Republic, and the monarchs of the House of Savoy were deposed and exiled. This is one of the most important Italian national holidays which, like July 14th in France (Storming of the Bastille) and July 4th in the USA (Independence Day), celebrate the birth of the nation (source: Italian Week website).
Honoring this important date in Italian history and as a tribute to the influence of Italian culture in Australia, Italian Week developed a concept in 2009 to create a point of focus. Known as the ‘Illumination’, this focus point consists of lighting up key structures in the city of Brisbane in the Italian colours of green, white and red for the duration of Italian Week. You can see a short video clip of the illumination on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrykLQzM30
Starting with the Treasury Casino in the heart of Brisbane, historically significant buildings and architectural structures have been illuminated since 2009. The former Queensland Government Treasury Building (http://www.treasurybrisbane.com.au) built in the 1890s and early 1900s served as a symbol of self-government and as a focus for celebratory and patriotic displays. In 2011, to mark the 150th Anniversary of Italian unification, in addition to the Treasury Casino, Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge was Illuminated in the ‘Tre Colori’ or the ‘three colours’ as the Italian national flag is known. Located opposite the Treasury Casino and next door to the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre stands at the heart of Southbank’s cultural precinct. In a spectacular display of light and colour, both the Casino and QPAC were ‘Illuminated’ in 2012 as a feature of Italian Week.
As stated, this event has been designed as a ‘focal point’ and is a key component of Italian Week, sending strong signals to Australians that the influence of Italian culture in Queensland is well appreciated and valued. The Illumination is designed to stimulate and create ’emotional engagement’, engendering commitment and pride within the Italian and Australian community in Queensland. It is believed that the creation and stimulation of ’emotional engagement’ can and does extend the longevity of the festival, generating anticipation of future editions. This powerful and emotive symbol known as the ‘Illumination” is visible for the entire week of the festival and is seen by hundreds of thousands of people. Supported by extensive marketing and public relations, the event is now well known and popular.