University of Newcastle's guide to New Annual

As we emerge from various lockdowns, quarantines, and restrictions the creative sector is reopening. We are about to immerse ourselves in a real-life celebration of creativity, and all that’s at the heart of what it is to be human. 

The New York Yankee’s Yogi Berra famously quipped– ‘the future ain’t want it use to be’. That’s the case for the entire creative industries. Our New Annual offering reflects this. Enjoy the Festival.

Professor Paul Eggleston, School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences

This Land : A First Nations celebration of music

Make your way to This Land, a First Nation celebration of the sound, soul and spirit of the many nations in this country. With a stellar line up of First Nations artists and curated by University of Newcastle Alumni Jacob Ridgeway, This Land is an unmissable experience in the New Annual program.

This Land is a proud collaboration between City of Newcastle and the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle.

Wednesday 28 September
5:00pm-10:00pm
Tickets $25
View more and book tickets.

Nihilartikel: Izabela Pluta

Taking place in the University’s very own Watt Space Gallery, Nihilartikel by Izabela Pluta will explore questions about impermanence and personal narratives of place through the found, made and photographed artefacts of deep-sea explorations and subterranean passages in an exhibition, performance and a special in conversation with artist Izabela Pluta and curator José Da Silva.

For more info about this free exhibition & opening times.

The Future Innovators Summit

To kick off the school holidays, consider taking your kids to be a part of a round-table discussion program run by a transdisciplinary studio Art Thinking. Geared towards 4 to 19 year-olds, this is a chance to talk directly to the decision makers of Newcastle where they will be guided by globally recognised mentors who are artists, technologists, scientists and innovation experts to assist with the development of their ideas and questions for humankind and creating our future.  

The University of Newcastle is proud to be a Major Partner of this event that runs across three days at various locations and is part of the New Annual Program.

Learn more about the Summit here.

Big Picture Fest

Looking for something to do on the long weekend? Check out Big Picture Fest! The three-day large-scale street art festival crosses over with the final weekend of New Annual and brings together world class artists to showcase their work alongside exceptional local talent.

Come and see artworks in the making as we celebrate our creative community bringing life and energy to Newcastle’s skyline and streetscapes. Be sure to check out Georgia Hill’s artwork take shape on our Conservatorium of Music wall as well as the collaborative art piece from our students involved in the Crosspoint mentor program on the corner of King Street and Auckland Street!

Learn more about Big Picture Fest here.

Epoch Wars : Pony Express

Infiltrating Newcastle City Hall, Epoch Wars enlists you and an army of Australia’s most exciting artists and speakers in a seismic, anarchic adventure camouflaged as a conference. In a series of subversive keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, we will battle it out for the naming rights of our shared future.

Be sure to keep an eye out for our student volunteers while you are taking part in this immersive creative experience!

Saturday 01 October
2:30pm
Tickets $39
View more and book tickets

Pavilion of Sand

Stop into Wheeler Place to see it re-imagined as a landscape that recalls what lies beneath its paved colonial grid – a landscape of sand.

The Pavilion will be home to a program of dance, native food workshops, language workshops and performance throughout the festival. A space that centres Awabakal cultural practice, people and stories. 

Pavilion of Sand is a collaboration between Awabakal built-environment practitioner and University of Newcastle Associate Lecturer Shellie Smith, Barkindji artist, designer and University of Newcastle Alumni Jasmine Craciun and Future Method Studio – Co-directed by Wiradjuri designer and anti-disciplinary artist Joel Sherwood-Spring and Genevieve Murray. 

View the schedule and book tickets.

Robotics and Music All Day Workshop

Our Newcastle Conservatorium of Music will be hosting a fun-filled all-day Robotics and Music Workshop on Thursday 29 September. Designed for primary school aged students, this is a unique one to get the kids involved in!

Build, code, play, imagine and experiment with a range of technologies and musical tools, including drumming robots, robotic textiles, midi-triggering, and more. The workshop will culminate in an afternoon performance showcasing their work alongside our special guests.

Thursday 29 September
9:00am
$85
View more and book tickets.

Robot Dance Party

Step into our Q Building and join us in our 'Blackbox' studio to program a robot to dance, play instruments, and learn about simple visual coding. The workshop will begin with a robot demonstration... and then we will activate disco mode, with lights, music, and dancing!

Participants are welcome to BYO their own robot friend or borrow one on the day. This workshop will be full of great sensory experiences, so get the kids involved! With sessions for the age ranges of “little” (2-5yo) and “big” (6-10yo) participants, everyone of all abilities, as well as their parents/carers are welcome!

Wednesday 28 September
10:30am + 2:00pm
Tickets $10
View more and book tickets.