INSIGHT OUT is a visually stimulating and highly innovative exhibition showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration across The Australian National University (ANU).

On display at the University’s public art space – Exhibition Avenue – from 8 March until 7 May 2021, this one-of-a-kind group show is presented by Kambri at ANU, and is in partnership with ANU Learning Communities and aMBUSH Gallery.

INSIGHT OUT experiments with the communication of ideas via the medium of art and demonstrates the benefits of teamwork across diverse fields of study by combining The Australian National University’s globally renowned academic research with the creativity of students from the School of Art and Design.

The project paired 24 visual arts students with an academic undertaking research at one of the University’s seven academic Colleges: Arts and Social Sciences; Asia and the Pacific; Business and Economics; Engineering and Computer Science; Health and Medicine; Law; and Science.

Each pair met at length to discuss the academic’s research and interests, and consider ways in which the most vital elements of the information could be conveyed to the general public. The artists were then given stylistic freedom to represent the research visually, in the form of a physical artwork. The resulting works traverse a range of disciplines, including painting, illustration, photography, and digital art.

The research topics include: memory and truth, heritage rock art, the regulation and governance of food policies, the mechanics of the human knee, blockchain, stillbirth, solar cells, archaeology, global health and infectious diseases, representations of youth by the media, communication in medical settings, and artificial intelligence, to name a few.

Artist Samantha Corbett was paired with academic Maya Haviland (from ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences) to interpret Maya’s research on co-creativity, which Samantha ultimately chose to do via the medium of a mural.

As Samantha explains, “What was extremely challenging – but probably one of the most rewarding parts of the project – was together trying to come up with a way to make the conceptual idea of co-creativity accessible to all types of public audiences.”

Maya adds, “I really loved seeing the reflection back of what are quite big ideas through Sam’s creative lens. It was great to see her find a way to translate that into a visual form, which is a bit of a dream for someone interested in translational research.”

These 24 original pieces will be presented on six large-scale display cubes along University Avenue, providing an inviting gateway into the heart of Kambri that celebrates the University’s world-class research and teaching.

Decals placed on the ground in front of each artwork will summarise statements from both the artist and the academic, allowing viewers to gain a greater understanding of how the artistic interpretation came about and the academic study behind it. QR codes will also be sited nearby that link to more in-depth research papers and information that inspired the art, as well as a longer statement from the artist.

Bill Dimas, the co-founder of aMBUSH Gallery, says, “We are thrilled to showcase world- class ANU research, as well as the talent of School of Art and Design students. This project provides students with professional experience, supports them by ensuring they’re paid NAVA (National Visual Arts Association)-approved rates, and also demonstrates the power of collaboration within the ANU community and beyond.”

Opening night for INSIGHT OUT is Thursday, 11 March from 6-8pm hosted at the Fenner Courtyard, Kambri, The Australian National University, with drinks from Capital Brewing and Lerida Estate, plus music from a Vessel Collective DJ.

To attend the exhibition opening, guests will need to pre-register via Eventbrite as the capacity is limited.

INSIGHT OUT is a fiercely collaborative project that will appeal to all segments of the community, no matter what their interests or field of knowledge. It is free and accessible to the general public 24 hours, seven days a week.

For more information visit kambri.com.au and follow Kambri at ANU, aMBUSH Gallery, and ANU Learning Communities on Facebook and Instagram.

About Kambri at ANU

Kambri at ANU is located in Australia's capital city, Canberra. The precinc strong ties to the local area is reflected in the gifting of the name ‘Kambri’ by elders from the ACT’s four Indigenous communities. The Kambri precinct is a hub for innovation and knowledge, while also providing a welcoming space for the greater Canberra community to gather. Facilities and services include: a multi-storey medical centre; 24-hour pool and gymnasium; a culture and events building hosting theatre, concerts and functions; a unique laneway and lawn retail experience with dozens of independent food and beverage operators, plus abundant greenscapes where students, staff, families and city workers alike can relax, reflect and be inspired. Kambri’s year-round calendar of events and activations offers an engaging and eclectic environment, delivered within a village atmosphere.

About aMBUSH Gallery

aMBUSH Gallery – an initiative of Wiltshire + Dimas – has extensive experience over the course of 13 years in producing similar events that aim to support and celebrate women artists. To date, aMBUSH has worked with over 5,000 artists, 50% of whom are women, predominantly from Australia. In the past five years aMBUSH/Wiltshire + Dimas have also developed Reconciliation Action Plans for multinational clients including AMP Capital, Scentre Group, Brookfield and more.

About Learning Communities

The ANU Learning Communities (LCs) are student-led community groups, focused around five key areas of interest (Creative Arts, Cultures, History, Global Challenges and Sustainability). They are one of many student engagement and development programs led by the Engagement and Success team, within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and University Experience) portfolio.

LCs bring together people of diverse backgrounds.  Projects, events and initiatives create opportunities for student-led groups to provide complimentary, interdisciplinary educational opportunities to learn outside the traditional classroom. LCs recognise the value of connecting diverse groups to expand and push our learning and build strong networks, now and into the future.

The INSIGHT OUT program was developed by LC Student Ambassador Jaz Matz in an effort to incorporate the LC creative arts and cultures into all fields of the University. The program was to do this in a visible and significant way for both artists and academics. By initiating both professional and personal relationships across the University, it is hoped that the impact of the program will be long-lasting and mutually beneficial for both participants and that the exhibition will spark conversations between viewers.