The powerful PhD installation created by acclaimed artist and University of Newcastle visual arts lecturer, Dr Ibtihal Samarayi, is now on permanent display at the Central Coast and Callaghan campuses.

Locked Inside is her award-winning piece that has returned to the University following a national tour. The unique installation features 10 huge timber padlocks displaying images of detention and freedom, with a child's eye looking out from each at a large, unreachable key hanging from the ceiling.

On the padlocks are genuine letters from refugees in immigration detention centres, family photographs, ID cards, media coverage of the detention debate and images of distressed asylum seekers.

Dr Samarayi has gifted the University five of the padlocks for permanent display - three in the Library on the Central Coast campus and two in the Huxley Library at the Callaghan campus.

The artwork was formally handed to the University at a ceremony at the Central Coast campus late last month, which included the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Education and Arts.