Putting it together: examining new media arts and creative practice

This Ph.D. by Published Work examines projects that have taken place over a period of ten years and that address new media practice. The projects include new media arts exhibitions and publications. The argument of the Exegesis is that taken together these works demonstrate how curatorial practice operates in an integrated way between practice and theory and that it is possible to trace how insights about new media are generated, evolve and contribute to discourse in different parts of the arts sector. The Exegesis argues that curatorial practice can be understood as demonstrating reflection­‐in-­action and reflection-­on-­action. It presents a framework for understanding how knowledge is developed through curatorial projects, and thus constitutes practice-­based research. In particular the research addresses the role of the curator in new media arts: how the audience for new media is understood, how practitioners’ knowledge, skills and expertise can be articulated and how cultural concepts around digital technology such as ‘newness’ and ‘innovation’ affect the way that new media practice is understood and experienced. The study examines the curated three exhibitions: Lyndal Jones, Demonstrations and Details from the Facts of Life (2001); Timeless: Time, Landscape and New Media (2006) and David Rokeby: Silicon Remembers Carbon(2007)/ David Rokeby: Plotting Against Time (2008); a co-authored book The New Media Handbook (2006); and three articles and chapters, ‘Enter the Gallery’ (2011) & ‘The Narrative of Technology’ (2012) and ‘Shiny and New’ (2010

Suspended: Art in the threshold

This chapter explores how artworks in the museum threshold can also be seen to function as metaphors for the museum itself. Through a series of examples, it shows how artworks contribute to the meaning of the museum threshold in ways that are ambiguous and diverse by offering a creative experience to the museum visitor. They can be impactful or resonant, experimental or playful and they can deconstruct or interpret the experience of the architecture. They demonstrate how the multiple roles of the threshold space go well beyond the utilitarian functions. Alongside introductory or wayfaring signage, invitations and instructions on how space is to be used and negotiated or suggesting the social mores that are in place, and promotions for exhibitions, events, products and income-generating activities, there are many other ways in which the threshold conveys meaning to visitors. Artwork gives the museum visitor a nuanced and complex way of understanding what the museum has to offer

Participation in the Art Museum: Defining New Models for Public Engagement at Tate Exchange

This paper takes as a case study the Tate Exchange programme created by the University of Westminster Associate group in 2017–19, which aimed both to engage public participants and to provide a learning opportunity for MA students by involving them as designers, producers and co-creators. It explores how an action research process was used that resulted in two ‘operational models for participation’, and how these models were used to assess the value of the programme

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM), an education activity, allows middle school students to program a digital camera on board the International Space Station to photograph a variety of geographical targets for study in the classroom. Photos are made available on the web for viewing and study by participating schools around the world. Educators use the images for projects involving Earth Science, geography, physics, and social science

Youth-Inclusive Development: Challenges and Potential in Solomon Islands

Political discourse and parliament in Solomon Islands are dominated by older men, making it easy to forget that this cohort of influential people are, in fact, the minority of the population. With seven in 10 Solomon Islanders under age 34 (UNDP 2018:6), Solomon Islands’ youth population is particularly visible on the streets of Honiara, where large groups of youth can be seen in public spaces and at events. There are, however, few youths in positions of influence or formal decision-making structures in Solomon Islands. Youths are rarely seen in politics and government, and are less likely to be employed (Solomon Islands National Statistical Office 2014:75). This In Brief examines present exclusion of youths from decision-making and highlights where change is emerging and policy support could be most effective

Plain language review of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

This review provides an overview of key information on diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The review focuses mostly on type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because type 2 diabetes is responsible for the majority of cases of diabetes in this population. However, the review also refers to type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes where information is available. It provides a historical, social and cultural background to the development of diabetes, and the behavioural and medical factors that contribute to diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It provides information on the levels of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diseases and conditions that are caused or triggered by diabetes. This information includes data on: incidence (the number of new cases) and prevalence (the number of existing cases) how many people are hospitalised, die or are disabled because of diabetes. Issues of prevention and management of diabetes are discussed, and the review provides information on programs, services, policies and strategies relating to diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review draws mostly on journal publications, government reports, national data collections and national surveys. Most of these can be accessed through the HealthInfoNet\u27s Australian Indigenous HealthBibliography

Creating #citizencurators: putting twitter into museum showcases.

This article is a case study of a Twitter project #citizencurators, which was jointly developed by the University of Westminster and the Museum of London to 'collect' Londoners' experience of the 2012 Olympic Games. The cross-disciplinary research explored how cultural institutions can use social media to extend and diversify their collecting methos. As such this project demonstrates how the use of social networking can empower the Museum

Markets Matter: ANU-UN Women Project on Honiara's Informal Markets in Solomon Islands

AusAI

Review of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic disease. Type 2 diabetes in particular, has reached epidemic proportions globally and in Australia, and poses a challenge for public health systems everywhere. The greatest burden tends to fall on socially disadvantaged groups and Indigenous peoples Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians experience disproportionately high levels of diabetes. They are three times more likely to have diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are almost twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes as non-Indigenous women. There is also evidence that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are eight times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes (traditionally considered an adult disorder than their non-Indigenous peers. Mortality rates are correspondingly high, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are six times more likely to die from diabetes than non-Indigenous Australian