FREE - Central Craft Presents: Microcosmos with Jim Coad
Event description
A Free Interactive Craft + Projection Installation For kids, families, and the young at heart. Made possible through the NTG’s Unleash Creativity Grant.
Date: Saturday 26 July, 2025
Time: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Lawns outside the Strehlow Research Centre (Museum of Central Australia), Araluen Arts Precinct
Cost: Free! RSVPs preferred
Situated within the Araluen Cultural Precinct, Central Craft recognises the sacred significance of the site where our studio sits, including Yaye (Big Sister Hill), Yaye Akweke (Little Sister Hill). These places, part of the Two Sisters Dreaming story, remind us of the enduring strength of Arrernte culture and our responsibility to respect and protect them.
About the Event
Take a journey into the Microcosmos—the tiny, often-overlooked worlds woven into our everyday lives. See life through the eyes of insects: how does their world look to them?
Watch a Preview Now! >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_i9PvTOjC8
Join artist Jim Coad for this hands-on, family-friendly experience. You’ll choose from 8 different creature templates (like a butterfly, spider, snail, or centipede), decorate your own design, then watch it come to life—larger than life—through interactive projection in a magical outdoor setting.
⏱ Each participant can create 1–2 drawings. The whole experience takes around 30–40 minutes.
This is an all-ages activity, perfect for children, families, and anyone with a seniors card. Parental involvement is warmly encouraged.
RSVP Details
To help avoid congestion and ensure everyone has a chance to participate, we ask that you RSVP for a preferred session time. Session slots are spaced throughout the evening, and reserving your spot helps us manage the flow for scanning and projection.
Please book one ticket per child or person who will be participating. Grown-ups who want to join in the creative fun are warmly welcome—we just ask you reserve a spot too!
Drop-bys on the night are welcome, but priority will be given to those who RSVP.
Session 1: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Session 2: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Session 3: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Session 4: 8:30pm - 9:30pm
What to Bring
Your imagination!
Warm clothes—it’s outdoors
Optional: snacks or a picnic blanket
What’s Provided
All materials (creature templates, drawing supplies)
Tea and bathrooms inside the Central Craft studio
Tables and chairs for comfort
How the Evening Runs
Arrive during your time slot, any time from 5:30pm–9:30pm
Each creative session takes approx. 30–40 minutes
Drawings are scanned and projected shortly after completion
We can process about 30–40 contributions per hour
Getting There & Access
Location: Lawns outside the Strehlow Research Centre, Araluen Arts Precinct
Parking: Central Craft carpark, Araluen carpark, or Memorial Ave
The lawn may be uneven—chairs and tables will be provided
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located at Central Craft, a short walk or drive from the site via paved or gravel path
About the Artist
Jim Coad is a moving image artist creating large-scale, site specific projection Installations. His works are often interactive involving audience to directly participate in the creative process. Although working in the digital realm, his work usually originates from physical arts media, (paint, charcoal and pencil). He has presented works at festivals and community events around Australia and in Switzerland.
Thank you
We gratefully acknowledge the Northern Territory Government for making this event possible through the Unleash Creativity Grant, and also warmly thank the Museum of Central Australia for collaborating with us and allowing us to use the outdoor lawns of the Strehlow Research Centre for this project.
Central Craft - Contact
61 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs
Studio Entrance & carpark via driveway opposite 11 Memorial Avenue
(08) 8952 4417
Admin: admin@centralcraft.org.au
Director: directors@centralcraft.org.au
IG: @central.craft.mparntwe
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