Traditional Neon Fabrication: The Importance of Preservation in a Contemporary Setting

Traditional neon fabrication is an endangered craft in Australia, with specialist skills rapidly disappearing as opportunities for formal training and knowledge transfer become increasingly limited. Through a George Alexander Foundation Fellowship, Meagan Streader undertook international research, studio-based training, and institutional engagement across the United States and Europe to investigate how neon is preserved, taught, and sustained within contemporary art and conservation contexts. The research revealed neon’s enduring cultural significance, technical longevity, and continued relevance as an artistic medium. It highlights the importance of education, mentorship, conservation, and inclusive learning models in preserving specialist knowledge, while advocating for stronger infrastructure and training pathways to secure neon’s future in Australia.