Woman holds out hand in open palm with small drone with light flying above.

Lucie in the sky, image by David Kelly.

04 July 2023

Have you ever wanted to interact with a robot? Create your own vacuum-formed object? Dance with drones?

Held on 7–16 July, the Uncharted Territory festival invites you to discover new, uncharted territories in innovation, art and science.

Uncharted Territory is Canberra's new arts and innovation festival celebrating creativity, experimentation and groundbreaking ideas.

There are over 60 events to choose from, held in and around the ANU’s Kambri precinct, as well as in various locations across the city.

Uncharted Territory will showcase some of Canberra’s most formidable minds and talents, share what is unique about this place, and tell the story of our contributions to national and international discourse.

There are so many things to see, hear and do. Start planning today with these five suggestions.

Get along to a live music event

There are several great live music performances to attend across the 10 days. Events include:

View an art installation

You’re spoilt for choice with plenty of installations to ignite your curiosity. Events include:

  • Something You Have, Something You Know, Something You Are: A new artwork by Dr Baden Pailthorpe commissioned for Uncharted Territory. Displayed in the Kambri precinct from 7–16 July. Free admission.
  • First Kiss: A Robotic Pas de deux: Witness a mesmerising robotic dance where two arms with human faces perform a looped sequence, ending in an intimate, tender kiss. Presented by the University of Canberra. Kambri Cultural Centre foyer from 7–16 July. Free admission.
  • HYPERSPECTRAL: An immersive outdoor event showcasing diverse digital media, video and sound artworks responding to the theme ‘rebirth’. 15 July, 5–9pm. Manuka Arts Centre. Free admission, bookings required.

Two robotic arms with model faces attached  interact and look at each other.
First Kiss: A Robotic Pas de deux

Get a front-row seat at a panel discussion

Enjoy a variety of panel discussions and symposia across the 10 days. Events include:

Try an experience with a difference

The festival’s program of workshops and experiences gives you the opportunity to engage with new concepts and have fun along the way. Events include:

  • University of Canberra’s A Conversation with a Robot: 7–16 July, 10am–4pm. Kambri Cultural Centre. Free admission, bookings required for study participants (see event listing for details).
  • ANU MakerSpace Pop Up hands-on workshops. These include workshops in 3D printing, laser-cut jewellery, sewing circuit, vinyl cutting and vacuum forming. 7–16 July, 12–6pm. Kambri Cultural Centre. Free admission, drop-ins welcome to observe the space in action, but bookings required for hands-on workshops.
  • Kids’ Design your Vehicle art workshop: suitable for children aged 7 and above. 7 July, 1:30–3pm. Canberra Museum and Gallery. Admission charge, bookings required.

Attend a research and innovation panel

These panels are a must for creative thinkers, as entrepreneurs and researchers intersect to push the boundaries of what is possible. Events include:

View the full program of events at unchartedterritory.com.au/program


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