The National Institute for Experimental Arts (NIEA) at UNSW is a dynamic experimental research facility integrating COFA’s research centres, groups and galleries. Built on key research strengths in digital media, social, environmental and community based application of the arts, NIEA aims to produce internationally leading research that address national priorities and global problems, including environmental sustainability, digital and frontier technologies, indigenous culture and inter-cultural relations. NIEA promotes innovative theory and practice-based research through cross-disciplinary collaboration and close partnerships with a variety of Australian and international universities, industry and community groups. With a unique purpose-built gallery and laboratory facility under development for 2012, NIEA provides an enhanced platform for curatorial exhibitions and research. It is initiating a research and exhibition program that will pioneer new models of cross-institutional exhibition making.