Students and staff from fine arts and architecture at the University of Newcastle will have their works displayed across the city in a major international exhibition starting in Newcastle this week.

'Back to the City' is a series of temporary urban art interventions in Newcastle city during January and February.

Seventeen collaborative teams have produced the installations, focusing on the revitalisation of the city centre.

Artistic Director Professor Steffen Lehmann, from the University's School of Architecture and the Built Environment, said international, local and emerging talent were involved.

"We are bringing together architects, artists, landscape architects and graphic designers to show what collaboration across the disciplines can achieve," he said.

"Eleven of the 17 installations are by University staff and students from the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music (incorporating The Conservatorium) and the School of Architecture and Built Environment.

"This is a fantastic public exhibition that aims to engage with the revitalisation of Newcastle's inner city and draw national attention due to the calibre and reputation of the participants."

'Back to the City' is the third in the Creative Cities series first held in Berlin (2002) and Brisbane (2004). It is an initiative of s_Lab space Laboratory for Architectural Research and Design (Professor Lehmann's laboratory) and is funded by the Newcastle Alliance and Honeysuckle Development Corporation.

The 'Back to the City' installations will be on display from Thursday 24 January until Sunday 17 February across Newcastle's city centre. Exact locations are available on the Back to the City website.

International artists and architects will speak on art in the urban context at a public symposium, 'Urban Art as Catalyst for Collaboration', at the Newcastle Region Art Gallery on Thursday 31 January from 12.30 until 6pm. Entry is free but bookings are essential on 4974 5120 or 4974 2070.

For information: Professor Steffen Lehmann, School of Architecture and the Built Environment, on 02 4921 5783.

Images of some University of Newcastle exhibitions are available by contacting Gerry Bobsien at the Project Office on 02 4974 2070.