Posted 1 Apr
MOD.
As part of CreateSA’s industry development pilot designed to connect First Nations digital creatives to relevant networks, experiences and technologies, MOD. hosted three First Nations artists – Kat Bell, Adam Jenkins and Arthur Ah Chee.
The 12 week placement was roughly divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: Discovery & Exploration – Identify and set goals/milestones within a personalised project plan which aligns with interests and MOD’s offerings, current projects and exhibitions
- Phase 2: Skill Development & Immersion – Diving into tasks, further research, hands on and practical learning
- Phase 3: Reflection & Review – Reflect on and review goals and objectives with MOD. e.g. what has been addressed and/or achieved? Is there room to develop further or is there an opportunity to shift focus for the last phase?
We asked the artists to reflect on their time at MOD. and have shared their reflections below:
From Kat Bell:
My participation in the MOD. First Nations Digital Futures Placement from mid‑February to mid‑April marked a significant and transformative chapter in both my creative and research practice. Throughout the placement, I received thoughtful mentorship and feedback on my PhD project, collaborated with the MOD. team on prototyping sessions, and explored AR and projection‑mapping technologies that expanded the technical possibilities of my work. Visits to the Australian Centre for Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE) where I met IVE member Jonathan Hart, became a pivotal turning point in my research project, where I got work alongside Jonathan and Dr. Alex DeGaris-Boot, to undertake additional prototyping of AR and immersive exhibition concepts. These experiences not only shaped the development of the immersive river room that later formed a major element of my Taking Time exhibition in July 2025 but also forged an ongoing relationship with IVE that continues to influence my research.
A key aspect of the placement was the generous curatorial and technical support provided by MOD., which enabled the conceptualisation, development, and realisation of Taking Time. The MOD. team shared their approach to futures thinking and exhibition design, helping me reimagine curation as an immersive, interactive, and reflective practice shaped by both creative intent and technological realities. One of the most memorable moments was stepping into MOD.’s workshop and storage spaces—being surrounded by tools, materials, and technologies that brought previously abstract ideas into practical focus – this felt like being a kid in a candy store. This hands‑on access grounded my concepts, encouraged experimentation, and reshaped what I believed was possible within an exhibition environment. Beyond the placement, the MOD. team has continued to offer invaluable feedback and guidance, making this experience a foundational part of my ongoing PhD journey.
–
From Adam Jenkins:
What were you expecting?
- I was expecting to learn about about a digital business model and see what ideas, opportunities and new experiences could help me in my current trajectory.
What activities did you undertake at MOD.?
- Although my business is slightly a different model to MOD, I did engage in some filming of the exhibition spaces which I enjoyed as that’s my visual strengths.
What question did you ask at MOD. and what did you learn?
- I asked about what visitors expected to see when they visited MOD, I asked about design concepts for the upcoming exhibitions and where the loos are? (just kidding). I asked about what inspired the ideas for the exhibitions and the process in how they are executed.
What’s the Adam x MOD. moment you would like to share?
- The moment I’d like to share is the welcoming environment provided by the MOD staff towards to the Digital Futures participants as well as the opportunity to learn about MOD as previously I wasn’t aware of who they were and what they did. It’s great that they opened their doors for us to learn from and connect with.
