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:
- Ainslie Salon: Midpoint: 7 and 8 July, 7–10pm. Ainslie Arts Centre. Admission charge, bookings required.
- The Halo is Shapeless: 14 July, 7–8.30pm. Kambri Cultural Centre. Admission charge, bookings required.
- Shoeb Ahmad – Double checks against the corner album launch: 15 July, 7–9pm. Kambri Cultural Centre. Admission charge, bookings required.
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.
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:
- Cyber and Culture panel discussion about cybersecurity, culture and the artwork Something you know, something you have, something you are. 10 July, 6–7:30pm. Kambri Cultural Centre. Free admission, bookings required.
- ACT Play Symposium: Canberra as the Laboratory of the Possible: Explore compelling creative tools to contribute to Canberra’s vibrancy and wellbeing. 12–14 July, 9am–5pm. Marie Reay Teaching Centre, ANU. Free admission, bookings required.
- Entering Ouroboros: Lindy Lee will discuss her new immersive sculptural commission for the National Gallery of Australia. 16 July, 2–3pm. National Gallery of Australia. Free admission, bookings required.
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:
- Starting up and Spinning Out: Taking Smart Ideas to Market: 10 July, 6–8pm. Marie Reay Teaching Centre, ANU. Free admission, bookings required.
- Canberra Innovation Network Open Day: Meet the companies, universities and people on the forefront on innovation in Canberra. 11 July. 1 Moore St, Canberra. Free admission, bookings required.
- Block Unlock: Unleashing Blockchain Symposium: Venture into the world of decentralisation this two-day conference. 14 and 15 July. Kambri Cultural Centre. Admission charge, but some free workshops also available, bookings required.
View the full program of events at unchartedterritory.com.au/program
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