
Create
In 2020, CREATE returns to fill our campuses with vibrant exhibitions, surprising performances, innovative installations and all things creative.
Your festival of creativity and imagination
CREATE takes place across University of Newcastle campuses from Monday 31 August to Friday 11 September 2020.
The festival celebrates the importance of vibrant creative practice, collaboration and experimentation in enriching the student and staff experience at the University of Newcastle.

WHAT'S HAPPENING
THE PARADE OF HIPPOCAMPI
They’re back! The unique markings of the colourful and mythical creatures (and the creative talents of staff and students) are on show with the Parade of Hippocampi.
CALLAGHAN NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRAL COAST * VARIOUS LOCATIONS * DAILY
COISA BRASILEIRA - BRAZILIAN MANNERISMS
What are the unique customs and mannerisms of the people of Brazil? Presented by some of our international students, this exposition explores cultural differences in food, language, music and everyday habits.
CALLAGHAN * GRIFFITH DUNCAN THEATRE FOYER * DAILY
CHALK IT UP
Eclectic furniture pieces are renewed and ‘upcycled’ using chalk paint in this unique exhibition. This project reflects the experiences of many international students, who are required to ‘repurpose’ themselves to fit into a different culture, different experience, different language.
CALLAGHAN * CT FOYER (MOVED TO OTHER AREAS THROUGHOUT FESTIVAL)
NOVOCASTRIAN 2050: ECOSYSTEM REBOOT
As part of the Ars Electronica Garden Newcastle, two Creative Question Challenge performances will address the topic of future ecology through live interactive experiences.
PERFORMANCE 1: CALLAGHAN * BRENNAN ROOM * FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER, 1PM
PERFORMANCE 2: CALLAGHAN * BRENNAN ROOM * MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, 1PM
YAK MOUNT
It’s been the mascot of the student media team for many years – now the yak finds its third dimension through this large-scale collaborative sculpture.
CALLAGHAN * SHORTLAND HUB * DAILY
LUCKY LANTERNS
Symbols of peace and prosperity, these colourful handmade lanterns leave a creative footprint on the campus. This is a collaboration between students and staff from the School of Architecture and Built Environment; English Language Centre; Priority Research Centre Geotechnical Science & Engineering; and Faculty of Health and Medicine.
CALLAGHAN * HUNTER BUILDING * DAILY
CROCHET WORKSHOP
Simple white chain-stitched pieces crafted by beginners in these workshops will be joined together to create an impressive communal installation.
WORKSHOP: NEWCASTLE CITY * GROUND LEVEL, NU SPACE * WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER, 12.30PM - 2.30PM WORKSHOP: ONLINE VIA WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STUDIOLOUM * MONDAY 31 AUGUST, 3PM-4PM
INSTALLATION: CALLAGHAN * SHORTLAND/HUNTER PATHWAY * 7-11 SEPTEMBER
FRAGMENTS OF CONVERSATION
Two friends, separated by geography, COVID-19, and the demands of motherhood, converse with each other through their creative practice. The work has been transported between them, going back and forth a number of times as they add to the dialogue. This work represents the multitude of half- finished thoughts, conversations, cups of tea, and creative projects begun but inevitably pushed aside as a result of more pressing concerns.
CALLAGHAN * HUNTER BUILDING * DAILY
RE-CREATION
31 AUGUST - 11 SEPTEMBER
Library spaces are reimagined using relegated library materials and natural history illustrations, creating feature walls.
CALLAGHAN * AUCHMUTY LIBRARY * DAILY
NEWCASTLE CITY * NU SPACE LIBRARY * DAILY
CENTRAL COAST * OURIMBAH LIBRARY * DAILY
SYDNEY * SYDNEY LIBRARY * DAILY
PAINTING TIMES * 11AM – 2PM EACH DAY THROUGHOUT FESTIVAL
UONUMBRA
What can you see in the shadows? A creative installation at NUspace – best viewed at night.
NEWCASTLE CITY * VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NU SPACE * DAILY * 6PM - 10PM
THE SENSORY GARDEN
All the world’s problems can be solved in a garden. The modern glass and metal of NUspace is contrasted by these temporary oases, providing sanctuary for students and staff.
NEWCASTLE CITY * GROUND LEVEL, NU SPACE * DAILY
SNAPSHOT
The skills and creativity of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment is celebrated in this photographic exhibition, capturing the diverse work of students and staff.
CALLAGHAN * BRENNAN ROOM * DAILY
DISTANCED DESIGN
An interactive booth where students can customise a blank t-shirt from a distance of 1.5 metres. Get creative with markers, brushes and paint pistols!
CALLAGHAN * COMMONWEALTH BANK LAWN * TUESDAY 1 AND WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER, 11AM - 2PM
OPENING REMARKS
Will you step through the door? These installations in surprising locations across campus invite us to re-boot our minds and perspectives.
CALLAGHAN NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRAL COAST * VARIOUS LOCATIONS * DAILY
SPOTLIGHT
Inspired by memories of nighttime play, a series of 9 insect-themed enamel pins will be designed and hidden at secret locations across campus for students to discover and to keep a pin for themselves.
CALLAGHAN NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRAL COAST * VARIOUS LOCATIONS * 7 – 11 SEPTEMBER
ART HARVEST
Stroll among the rows of growing art and harvest a fine art print from original designs submitted by staff and student artists..
CALLAGHAN * MATHS GRASS - WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER * HUNTER BUILDING - THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER NEWCASTLE CITY * NUSPACE * FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER
CENTRAL COAST * THE QUAD * MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
PLUS...
Busker performances in unusual locations in and around buildings.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.