First Look : Newcastle Art Gallery
Newcastle Art Gallery will unveil three new Gallery spaces, along with a new Gallery shop and Learning Studio, offering a first look at the expanded building. Significant works by First Nations artists from the Gallery's collection will be on display, alongside new commissions by Megan Cope, Maggie Hensel-Brown, Renae Lamb, Adam Manning, and Shellie Smith.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Water Stories & First Night Art Party
Fri 26 Sept | 5.00 - 9.00pm
Celebrating new commissions by First Nations artists Renae Lamb, Megan Cope and Shellie Smith, this one-night-only experience showcases projected animations co-created by Art Thinking with local children — lighting up the building with community, culture and creativity. Families are invited to join the fun by designing their very own animation inspired by the work of our incredible First Nations commission artists. Watch as your creation swims to life on the Gallery’s façade! Free to participate. No bookings required. All materials provided.
Where: Find us at the Water Stories tent on Laman Street.
Public Gallery Tours
Friday 26 Sept | 6.30 - 9.00pm (booked out)
Sat 27– Sun 28 Sept | 12:00pm - 4:00pm (booked out)
Fri 3 – Sun 5 Oct | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Additional tours & general admission available Fri – Sun until December
Take a 30-minute guided tour of the newly expanded Newcastle Art Gallery with one of our knowledgeable Gallery Guides. Learn more about our specially commissioned works of art and get a first look at our three new Gallery spaces. The tour will also feature a viewing of our inaugural Learning Studio Window Commission by local artist Maggie Hensel-Brown. Free to attend. Bookings essential here. Ticket includes general admission.
Where: Meet your guide outside the Gallery’s main entrance 5 minutes before your tour begins.
General Admission also available from 27 Sept - December, Friday - Sunday 10:00am - 4:0opm
Bookings recommended, walk-ins also accepted if capacity limitations allow.
Iconic Loved Unexpected Publication Preview
Sat 27 Sept | 10am - 11:30am
Join us for a special preview of the Gallery’s first-ever collection publication Iconic Loved Unexpected.
A project 45+ years in the making, our limited-edition publication celebrates our iconic works, audience favourites, and unexpected gems. Inviting perspectives from interdisciplinary writers, Iconic Loved Unexpected provides a refreshed exploration of one of the nation's most significant collections.
Hear from Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM and some of the key contributors as they share the stories behind the publication. Don’t miss your chance to pre-order your copy and preview the collection before the official exhibition launch in 2026.
Bookings required here.
Where: Gallery 2, Newcastle Art Gallery
Mullets & Matriarchy Artist Talk
Sun 28 Sept | 10:00 - 11:30am
Join us for this special in-conversation event with artists Renae Lamb and Shellie Smith, hosted by writer and curator Shanysa McConville. Together they’ll share insights into their newly commissioned works, the creative journeys that brought them to life and the cultural significance woven into each.
This is a rare chance to hear directly from artists at the heart of the Gallery’s reopening and to connect more deeply with the art and stories embedded in our expanded space.
Free to attend. Bookings required here.
Where: Gallery 2, Newcastle Art Gallery
Gallery Shop Opening Celebration
Sat 4 Oct | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us as we celebrate the launch of the Newcastle Art Gallery Shop. Be among the first to explore our bespoke merchandise, meet some of the talented makers, and experience new ways to connect with art. Designed to ignite curiosity and deepen engagement, the shop offers a range of explorative and educational products, encouraging visitors to continue their artistic journey beyond the Gallery walls.
Free to attend. Bookings required here.
Weekend Intensive with Maggie Hensel-Brown
Join artist Maggie Hensel-Brown for a two-day intensive needle lace workshop. Taking inspiration from her new Gallery commission Process, progress, repeat, participants will be guided step by step through the intricate process of lace-making. Learn a new skill and create your own unique design to take home.
Catering and all art materials will be supplied. Bookings essential here.
This workshop is for all ages. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Learning Studio, Newcastle Art Gallery
Cost: $250 for 2 x 4hr sessions
IMAGE CREDIT
Megan Cope, Kinyingarra Guwinyanba, 2022–ongoing, dimensions variable, burogari (cypress pine), kinyingarra (oyster) shells, stainless steel wire. Installation view, Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, Queensland.
Courtesy the artist and Milani Gallery, Meanjin/Brisbane. Photo: Cian Sanders.
