Container Rainbow gets some TLC

One of Fremantle’s most loved and iconic works of public art is getting a makeover.

Commissioned by the City of Fremantle and installed overlooking the Swan River and Fremantle Port in 2016, Rainbow by Perth artist Marcus Canning instantly became one of Fremantle’s most recognisable structures.

Affectionately dubbed ‘The Containbow’, the work has also become an Instagram sensation, with travellers from across the world flocking to Fremantle to snap a selfie underneath the colourful arch.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the City was giving Rainbow some much needed TLC ahead of the finale of the Perth Festival on 1 March.

“The Containbow has become such an iconic entry statement and so embedded into the culture of Fremantle that it’s hard to imagine it not being there,” Mayor Pettitt.

“Over the years though the bright sun and fresh sea air haven’t been kind, so the colours have faded quite a lot and there has also been some water seeping into the containers and causing some rust.

“Over the next few weeks we’ll be opening up the containers to treat the rust and seal them up to make sure they’re water tight.

“In consultation with the artist Marcus Canning we’ll also be giving them a fresh coat of paint to restore the work to its former radiance.

“The Containbow is going to be the end point for the massive Highway to Hell event that’s closing the Perth Festival in March so we really want to make sure it's looking its best for that.”

Made up of nine brightly coloured recycled shipping containers, Rainbow is nine metres high, 19 metres long and weighs around 66 tonnes.

To watch a video of it being installed back in 2016 click here.

Presented in association with the City of Melville, Town of East Fremantle and City of Fremantle, the Perth Festival’s Highway to Hell will be celebration of the life and music of a Fremantle rock ‘n’ roll legend – the late, great AC/DC front man Bon Scott.

Taking inspiration from AC/DC’s classic song ‘Highway to Hell’ – Canning Highway will be transformed into the world’s longest stage, with a host of local and international artists performing AC/DC songs from stages on the back of semi-trailers in a slow ‘hit parade’ from Applecross to Fremantle.

The show will start at 5pm on 1 March 2020 at Canning Bridge and roll through special activity zones at Tompkins Park and the Leopold Hotel before arriving at the Rainbow in Fremantle at 8:30pm.

For more information visit the Highway to Hell page on the Perth Festival website.