Casula Powerhouse presents GIANT LEAP, a multi-arts program, which includes six new exhibitions created to mark the 50^th anniversary of the moon landing in 1969.  The launch and first steps on the moon were televised and watched around the world.  The exhibitions provide insight into the impact of the first humans on the moon, on popular culture, on individuals and on their artwork and acknowledges the ancient and important influences of the moon in most cultures.

Join us for the official launch of the GIANT LEAP program on Saturday 20 July (3pm-9pm). Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. We'll be open for extended hours, giving you the chance to see all of the exhibitions from day to night. There will be musical performances, workshops, a Space Disco as well as a special moon viewing event with the Macarthur Astronomical Society. Visit our website for more information.

EXHIBITIONS

Memories of the Moon Landing
1 July - 1 September
The 1969 Moon Landing was a major global event. Memories of the Moon Landing captures key NASA images and showcases local memorabilia and memories (from newspaper clippings and NASA collector patches, to school project books and more). Includes documentary by CuriousWorks, NASA images and interactive component for all ages

HIGH LOOM
1 July - 1 September
HIGH LOOM is a monumental installation by Lisa Sammut that reflects on the movement and interaction of celestial bodies in space. Observed from multiple viewing points in the Casula Powerhouse Turbine Hall, the artist plays with suspended sculpture, light and video to create a performance or dance between lunar, solar and planetary objects, while using motion as a way to examine our relationship with cosmic time and space.

Astronaut
20 July - 8 September
Astronaut considers space exploration from the perspective of the astronaut and represents an aspect of that experience. Featuring artists Adam Norton, Tony Albert, David Haines and Joyce Hinterding, Darren Sylvester, Mog&Mog and Chris Caines, the works combine the history and science of space travel with creative imaginings of exploring new territories.

Future
20 July - 8 September
Featuring works by artists Christelle Hug, Michael Cook, Kalanjay Dhir, Clinton Gorst and David Greenhalgh, Future looks at the artworks of the 1950’s and 60’s and their creative imagining of the future. Drawing on the films and posters of this time, the artists have created their own updated versions of future cities, transport, domestic gadget and AI, providing both utopian and dystopian visions.

Under the Same Moon
20 July - 8 September
This exhibition features works by artists that are members of community or cultural groups that have particular relationships with the moon. The exhibition captures beliefs, myths and legends related to the moon, including : the importance of the moon on Chinese astrology, cultural responses to eclipses of the moon, UFO’s. Local artists and groups respond to capture their unique relationships with the moon- featuring Daniel Boyd, Guan Wei, Hedar Abadi, Leanne Tobin and Macarthur Astronomical Society and more. Under the Same Moon opens 20 July to 8 September, 2019.

How I Wonder...
3 August - 15 September
How I Wonder... examines space exploration using the most sophisticated equipment we have available - our imagination. Our imagination has the ability to take us out of this world and wonder what we could experience when we land on another. This exhibition will include immersive 'universe' artworks by artist Helen Braund, missions for you to complete and first impressions for you to make.

EVENTS

GIANT LEAP Program Launch
Saturday 20 July | 3pm - 9pm
GIANT LEAP is a multi-arts program of events and exhibitions, kicking off this July. The program includes the exhibitions Memories of the Moon Landing in the Marsden Gallery; HIGH LOOM, a large-scale installation in the Turbine Hall by Lisa Sammut; Astronaut in the Switch Gallery; Future in the Upper Turbine Gallery; and, Under the Same Moon in the Hopper Gallery.

Bowie Unzipped
Saturday 27 July | 7.30pm
Tickets $40; Concession $35
The legendary Jeff Duff will celebrate the Thin White Duke’s iconic songs at what will be an incredibly magical night of all things Bowie. Jeff Duff has been singing Bowie’s songs for many years with the glowing support of Bowie’s official website BowieNET. Together with an all-star band, Duffo’s journey to Planet Bowie will include the songs Space Oddity, China Girl, Life On Mars … among many other faves. Jeff’s all star band will accompany him on this Lunar musings journey.

Future Thinking Discussion Panel - Artist Talks
Saturday 3 August | 1.30pm
In this panel discussion, "creative future thinkers" explore the possibilities that we may experience in the future. They will question what the future will bring: future cities, future space travel, potential technological breakthroughs and also the impacts these may have on humanity as a whole. Featuring artists Adam Norton, David Haines, Joyce Hinterding, Christelle Hug and Liverpool Council's own Bruce Marnee (Manager, Aerotropolis and City Planning.)

Stories, Myths, Legends, Poetry & Readings About the Moon
Sunday 11 August | 1.30pm
Take a tour with well-known local poets and storytellers as they respond to the GIANT LEAP exhibitions with their own cultural and personal stories about the moon.

FILM SCREENINGS
The US Consulate General presents a series of film screenings at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre during GIANT LEAP program
Please see the listing here for more information closer to the date.

WORKSHOPS
Visit our activities website for more information about DRAW TOGETHER, Drawing in Open Space and our After School programs, which explore themes from the GIANT LEAP program in Term 3. School tours and activities are also available. Contact us for more information: (02) 8711 7123 / reception@casulapowerhouse.com

Images courtesy of NASA