The Oracle of Time
Australian illumination artist and interaction designer Laura Jade works at the intersection of art, science, light and technology. Drawing on backgrounds in fine art, illumination design, biology and neuroscience, her immersive installations invite audiences to experience storytelling in unexpected ways. Her work has been presented at major festivals and institutions including Vivid Sydney, Woodford Folk Festival, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Powerhouse Museum and the Australian Museum.
For the 2026 Armidale Creative Streets Festival, Laura will present Oracle of Time, an interactive installation that transforms a vintage rotary telephone into a portal through time. Visitors are invited to dial a year and listen to stories from Armidale's past, present and imagined futures, creating moments of curiosity, reflection and connection through shared storytelling.
Youth Workshop: Shadow Box Worlds
In addition to Oracle of Time, Laura will deliver a hands-on creative workshop for young people in partnership with the Armidale Folk Museum. Inspired by stories, objects and collections from the museum, participants will design and build their own illuminated shadow-box artworks using light, paper and storytelling techniques.
The workshop will encourage young people to explore Armidale's history, characters, architecture and natural environment while creating miniature glowing worlds that connect with the themes of Oracle of Time. Selected works may be displayed as part of the festival experience.
