Coming up soon from 7 to 16 July is ‘Uncharted Territory’, Canberra’s new winter arts festival. With a focus on science and art as well as ‘innovation’ the program will platform a range of experiences within the Australian National University’s Kambri precinct, and at various locations around the city, where ‘artists, entrepreneurs and researchers will intersect to push the boundaries of what is possible.’ These intersections will take shape as dance performances, exhibitions, panels and forums, music, theatre, workshops, and participatory events. Check out the full program here. And, read on for our round up of events to put in your diary!
Visual Art
‘Something You Have, Something You Know, Something You Are’ at the ANU Forecourt, Kambri is an artwork developed in response to understanding the seemingly ephemeral nature of ‘cyberspace’ by artist Dr Baden Pailthorpe. The show will present ‘a new visual and spatial language to understand cyber security through passwords, cyber attack data and biometrics.’ It will take ‘real world’ form as a digital animation on a 5 x 5m LED wall.
Also on campus, the ‘Juncture’ is an exhibition and panel discussion which will be comprised of work and ideas from artists Rory Gillen, Sophie Dumaresq and Emily O’Neil who will consider emerging technology with particular reference to the ‘concept of labour in the age of generative applications such as Chat GPT and DALL-E.’
Over at the Manuka Arts Centre gardens HYPERSPECTRAL REBIRTH will be a vibrant display of digital and sound artworks from local, national and international artists on the evening of 8 July, presented by PhotoAccess. There will be sets from local DJs while you are bathed in sound and light.
Music and Dance
Lucie in the Sky on 14 to 15 July is a poetic dance performance meditating on the relationship between humans and technology, drawing on, well, humans and technology! Drones and dancers will share the stage in this piece as their ‘Complex relationships are thrust into the spotlight, as we explore the balance of power and our deep-seated need for each other. Peers. Companions. Friends. Foes.’
I Dance II at the National Film and Sound Archive will be made up of a series of short films, an online conference and then two weeks of accessible content to spark dialogue and celebrate the creation and distribution of Australia dance films created by artists living with disability.
For music experiences check out the Ainslie Salon: Midpoint and explore the science of hearing from classical music perspective with Music to your ears.
Workshops and Talks
Another way to look at innovation is through its relationship to nature in ‘Burning Innovations: The Developments and Future of Bushfire Research’ at the National Arboretum Canberra. The showcase is a one-off on 7 July from 5:30 to 7:30pm where the UNSW Bushfire Research Group will present posters, videos, pitches, and interactive activities. Then on 15 July enjoy industry leaders speaking about action on climate change and a Regenerative Future at the National Film and Sound archive, followed by a screening of The Giants.
In Barton, creatives are encouraged to learn how to use AI in a digital Arts and Crafts session lead by Darren Manachemson, at Thinkplace on 13 and 14 July.
We hope you delight and dial in to Uncharted Territory.