Live Art Week 2025: UOW Transforms into a Living Canvas
By Balaje Kannan
The 2025 Live Art Week brought explosive creativity to campus by converting the entire UOW into an outdoor artistic platform that combined student power with professional artistry and vivid colours.
A Campus Alive with Art
The entire campus came alive with activity when students and professionals worked together to decorate bike containers and create DIY tote bags while spontaneous acoustic performances took place throughout the grounds. The event presented more than visual appeal because it enabled people to experience artistic creation while building connections.
Art in Action
The artistic process could be observed in its entirety through brushes.
James Andrews’ Bike Storage Container Mural
James Andrews showcased his outstanding artwork by painting a bike storage container during the week. His artwork merged organic natural elements with machine-inspired patterns to generate unexpected colour in this spot.
The mural unites Wollongong’s natural tree surroundings with bike-inspired abstract art elements.
“I wanted to produce an eye-catching artistic piece that matches this environment without becoming too explicit.”
— James Andrews, Guest Artist
The result? The artwork presented a powerful yet contemplative design that fits perfectly into the university environment.
Artistic Reflections
Students found their reflection in the activities that included both creation and reaction. Many people discovered personal insights through Live Art Week.
Charcoal Art Comfort
Robert Jover from UOW experienced comfort by looking at the charcoal artwork because he preferred pen and pencil drawing before this.
“The use of charcoal art feels more comfortable to me since it is my preferred medium.”
The artistic process meets individuals at their current stage and occasionally returns to their initial level of connection, according to Robert’s statement.
The People Behind the Paint: Volunteers
The volunteers maintained the magical atmosphere through their behind-the-scenes work. The entire event gained its heart through the volunteers’ activities, which included painting setup, artist assistance, and student guidance.
Shakira’s Experience
Shakira joined the event for both fun and relaxation purposes.
“Working as a volunteer provides a peaceful experience that enables you to be artistic while making a positive impact on people.”
The event created a beneficial space for students to take breaks from their studies and forget about their academic work. The activity of painting served as a peaceful method for people to reconnect with themselves while creating a sense of comfort.
Activities That Brought It All Together
Student happiness throughout the week centred on the following activities:
– Live painting on walls and containers by artists
– DIY tote bag decoration hosted by the UOW Swifties Club
– Acoustic performances under the trees
– Interactive “paint-your-feelings” wall
– Student-run pop-up stalls displaying original artwork and creative initiatives
✨ Volunteers supporting the flow with energy and creativity
More Than Just Art
The event served as an invitation that offered students the chance to pause while participating in activities that went beyond their standard university routine. It provided students with time to rest while engaging in experiences that allowed them to explore beyond their regular college activities. The event created an opportunity for people to find breathing space while forming connections that led to beautiful collaborative work.
Participating in the event, either by creating art or simply observing, made you part of an unforgettable experience.
Until Next Year—Stay Creative, UOW. 🎭
