Astera products played a key part in the recent #RedAlertRESTART campaign – a collective lighting action which saw over 2,000 buildings, structures, landmarks and spaces lit in red to highlight the critical situation facing live events and entertainment sector.
John DiEleuterio harnessed the company’s Astera AX5 TriplePAR battery powered LED fixtures to light Main Light Industries’ office and warehouse building in Wilmington with 32 AX5s positioned around the exterior. He supplied another eight AX5 fixtures to the Wilmington Drama League theatre building in red.
Working closely with Ryan Morris and the IATSE Local 8 in Philadelphia, DiEleuterio arranged the loan of a further 56 AX5s, 32 of which were deployed around the IATSE Union Hall building. While six were used to highlight the famed Rocky bronze statue at the base of the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
DiEleuterio declared the event as a success but underlined that more support is required. “I hope we can all soon get back to doing what we love best and seeing live events, concerts, festivals, theatre shows, etc. delivered safely and spectacularly, creating all those memorable moments that people love and enjoy.”
He added: “I was very excited to do my bit for #RedAlertRESTART and see everyone get energised for the night. We all felt very united, it gave us a chance to engage and explain to people what we do and what is going on and I also think it gave some glimmers of hope that the industry stands strong together through this extremely tough time.”
The idea of lighting buildings in ‘emergency red’ began in Germany with #NightofLightDE in June, a concept that caught on with red days of action organised in European countries and the UK – initiated by #LightiItInRed on 6 July, followed up by #WeMakeEvents action on 11 August – as well as #LightSARed on 5 August, among other international campaigns.