The University of Queensland community is helping to create 60 paintings to be included in a large-scale art installation opening later this year.

Artist Lara Merrett is working over the next 10 days in an outdoor studio at UQ and hopes to empower passing audiences to feel part of the creative process.

Art Museum Senior Curator Peta Rake said the exhibition aims to break down the barriers between artists, artwork and audience by actively engaging them in the process.