Lots in Space: UNSW and NIDA light up campus

The UNSW campus will be transformed into a dynamic canvas of light, projections and street theatre in a production by UNSW and NIDA.

Lots in Space is a joint celebration of the University’s 60th anniversary and NIDA’s 50th, and is the first collaborative effort of its kind between the two institutions.

The production, directed by NIDA’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence Peter King, will use the unique architecture of University Mall as the stage for a montage of performers, projected images, textures, colour and light.

Bill MacMahon, lecturer in the Faculty of Built Environment, is the lead UNSW academic on the project. He is working with 10 students from interior architecture, architecture, industrial design, and landscape design, who are receiving credit towards their course.

“With the recent Luminous festival at the Opera House, we are increasingly seeing lighting and space being used in events. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain real experience in this area”, Bill said.

Clare Grant, lecturer in the School of Media and Performing Arts, has also been involved, with 12 of her students working on the project.

Susie Hickson, NIDA Project Manager for the production, said it was the ideal opportunity for a long discussed collaboration between NIDA and UNSW.

“Each time we walked onto the campus, we got so excited because we saw all sorts of possibilities for the space”, she said.

“I think when everyone involved sees the final product, they will be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved. It’s been an evolving process and NIDA and UNSW staff and students have worked so well on this together”.

The performance will begin in front of the Law Building. From there the audience will be guided up the University Mall to observe installations in the Law Library, Red Centre, Chemical Sciences, and Scientia buildings. 

Lots in Space will be staged on Tuesday 21 July before an invited audience. Staff and students are very welcome to attend a special “Open Dress” preview of the production on the Monday night, 7:30-8:30pm.

RSVPs not required. If you have further queries about coming along to the "Open Dress" night please e-mail marketingservices@unsw.edu.au