CHANNELS exhibition marks the 4th and final year of collaboration by Utp Rising, an evolving group of young emerging artists.

Join us for film screenings, art and performances on 23-25 November, open every night from 6-8pm.

Soft launch: 23-24 November, 6-8pm

Opening night: 25 November, 6-8pm

Artists: BEA, Rachelle Esaid, Cynthia Florek, Tala Issaoui, Samuel Kanaan-Oringo, Jason Liu, Aeron Vicente and Harsh Yalam

On every night:

6:45pm Film screening, ‘Drive’ by Harsh Yalam

7:00pm Live performance, ‘void…’ by Tala Issaoui

Exhibition Statement:

There are many paths, passages, and grooves that connect us. These are an overlap and intertwining of our experiences, choices, and habits. We all search for comfort, kinship, and quietude within ourselves. And where we cannot find them, we create branches between people and places.

Reflecting experiences of feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and lost, these works reach out to the audience, and offer their hand. They are a rebirth, a new wave of 20-something year olds’ voices calling out to be heard, and letting you know you are seen. They explore the transformation that one goes through when they allow themselves to be vulnerable, the power of reclaiming your experiences, and the importance of allowing for rest and reflection.

If you look for them, you can always find a softness within cruelty, strength within vulnerability, and beginnings within endings. Although it appears we’re each on our own road, at either end, and at every intersection, there is a chance for connection.

Photo by Nolan Ho Wung Murphy (@nolanmchly)

Venue Access:

Wheelchair Access – You can enter the Arts Centre via the front of the building at Dale Parade. There is a lift that can take you from ground level to the courtyard. There is a ramp to get to all rooms but there is no ramp into the inner grassy courtyard. The step down from the courtyard is around 10cm high.

Accessible and all-gender bathrooms are in the foyer of Bankstown Arts Centre. There are also two more that can be accessed via Rehearsal Rooms 1, 2 and the Theatre. They are equipped with a handrail and an assistance button. A baby-change station is available in the foyer bathroom.

Guide Dogs and support animals are welcome at Utp and Bankstown Arts Centre. You can take them into RS1.

For detailed access information to the venue, please visit the Access page on our website.

If you have any further questions, suggestions, or would like any information in another format, please don't hesitate to get in touch via admin@utp.org.au.

Utp Rising is an artist collective creating a supportive and inclusive community that fosters creativity, curiosity, critical thinking and sincerity.

Utp Rising members are committed to creating art that is authentic, meaningful and true to their individual perspectives and experiences. They value honesty and transparency in their creative process, and are not afraid to share their vulnerabilities and struggles with one another.

Over the years the collective has had many different iterations and ways of working. In 2022, the artists organised their first group show, 'soft landings', at Bankstown Arts Centre.