ATONG ATEM Event Program

Newcastle Art Gallery will activate the exhibition ATONG ATEM with a dynamic series of events presenting fashion, music, discussion, and storytelling from exciting creators celebrating African culture. 
Presented within two unconventional venues, register your interest to receive exclusive event information straight to your inbox. Register here.

CLUB SURAT 
Friday 22 September, 9:00pm – 12:00am

Bold and unapologetic. CLUB SURAT will redefine City Hall's Banquet Room into a dance hall of hip-hop and Afro-jazz. Celebrate the opening of ATONG ATEM with a night cap on the dancefloor with powerful performers GLO and POOKIE, who draw on their roots as East African women and are taking the music industry by storm in the process. CLUB SURAT is a dynamic late night after party not to be missed.
Location: City Hall, Banquet Room. Laneway entry via Christie Street.
18+ only. This is a ticketed event at $15pp. 

Bookings essential via here.

Friday Night Sounds
Friday 22 September, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday 29 September, 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Kick off the weekend with us at Friday Night Sounds! A dynamic addition to the exhibition ATONG ATEM, we'll be serving you an evening of sonic refreshment and art. Register your interest to find out more about our incredible line up of artists.
Find out more.
 

Freedom to Belong Panel Discussion
Sunday 24 September, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Join Dr Elsa Licumba for a panel discussion exploring the local migrant experience. Dr Elsa Licumba is an author and cultural consultant passionate about understanding how migrants engage in cultural transition to reinvent their identity and sense of belonging.

The panel discussion will be followed by an afternoon of music and conversation.

Find out more.

Sensory Hour
Wednesday 27 September, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Our Sensory Hour aims to provide a low-sensory experience for a range of different visitors, aiming to reduce sensory stimulation, and acknowledging the power of a quiet and contemplative visit.

We'll be turning the sound down and lights on to welcome everyone for an inclusive experience.

Find out more.

Auslan in the Park Meet Up
Saturday 30 September, 1:30pm – 3:00pm

In celebration of City of Newcastle's Count Us In festival, we are partnering with Auslan in the Park, a locally run community based social group within the Deaf community, to host a social meet up in the exhibition ATONG ATEM.

Auslan in the Park strives to create a safe space for Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind and Auslan users to spend time outside and socialise at the Newcastle Foreshore, surrounding parks and public spaces.

Find out more.

ATONG ATEM Closing Party
Sunday 1 October, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Don't miss our Closing Party! Join us for an afternoon celebrating local African women and creatives in our community, bridging diverse African cultures and generations. Featuring a fashion show with bespoke label ÆGLE Couture, a book launch with local mother-daughter duo Jackie and Nuru Gunter, and Sydney-based DJ GNGR behind the decks.

Find out more.

Guided Tours
Saturday 23 September, 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Sunday 24  September, 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Saturday 30 September, 1:00pm – 1:30pm (Auslan Interpreted)
Sunday 1 October, 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Delve deeper into the exhibition ATONG ATEM with our knowledgeable Gallery Guides.

In celebration of City of Newcastle's Count Us In festival, we are offering an Auslan interpreted Guided Tour for Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind community members on Saturday 30 September.

Tours commence on time at the entrance to the exhibition. Average duration: 30 minutes.

Please note: Guided tours have limited spots available.

Find out more.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
   
ATONG ATEM is presented exclusively by Newcastle Art Gallery for New Annual 2023 and represents the first major exhibition of Atong Atem's work in the Hunter Region. Atong Atem is represented by MARS Gallery, Melbourne.  

PHOTO CREDIT
Hero Image: Atong Atem, Our Neighbour was a Witch, 2022

Commissioned by Photo Australia for PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography, courtesy of MARS Gallery and the artist