Bimblebox: art – science – nature is a touring exhibition about the Bimblebox Nature Refuge in Central Queensland, its environmental, social and scientific significance and an artist group’s creative response to their experience of this unique and threatened environment.

Bimblebox Nature Refuge is located in semi-arid, desert uplands environment approximately 50km north-west of Alpha, QLD, comprising 8,000 hectares of native bushland, the majority of which has never been cleared. While legally recognised as a Nature Refuge and part of the National Reserve System of Protected Areas, Bimblebox is under threat from coal mining. This exhibition explores the challenging subjects of coal mining, global warming, diminishing biodiversity, the changing socio-cultural dispositions of regional communities and the role of creativity in that process. Aiming to document and creatively interpret this unique place and time, Bimblebox: art – science – nature may help to save this nature refuge from destruction or perhaps provide a lasting testimony.

Curated by Beth Jackson from a project initiated by artist Jill Sampson, the exhibition is rich, dynamic and diverse, and includes installation, works on paper, paintings, artist books, photography, digital media and sound. It also incorporates aspects of scientific and environmental research and the social history of the site.

SPECIAL GALLERY EVENT: Curator Talk with Beth Jackson at the University Gallery: on Saturday 7 MAY at 12:30pm

The University Gallery is open Wednesdays to Fridays 10am – 5pm and Saturdays 12 – 4pm or by appointment

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/community-and-alumni/arts-and-culture/the-university-gallery