First Night Art Party
Let’s get this party started!
In partnership with the Newcastle Art Gallery, New Annual is taking over Laman Street for FIRST NIGHT ART PARTY, featuring three powerhouse female performers - Aleksiah, Djanaba, and Ngaiire. In collaboration with the launch of Angela Tiatia’s MUSE, step inside the gallery for hands-on immersive experiences, plus checkout roving performers, drop-in workshops, food trucks, pop-up bar and family friendly fun.
Three formidable female artists take over Laman Street’s main stage for a night of fearless sound and electric energy. Fresh from sell-out shows, South Australian singer-songwriter Aleksiah brings soulful pop and captivating stage presence. She’s joined by Djanaba, a proud Bundjalung woman delivering bold, euphoric electronic pop, while Ngaiire rounds out the lineup with her powerful fusion of electronic, neo-soul, gospel, and big pop.
Inside Newcastle Art Gallery, the launch of Muse marks the first major survey of Newcastle-based, internationally acclaimed artist Angela Tiatia. Spanning 20 years of video, photography, and installation, this immersive multi-sensory exhibition explores beauty, resistance, and global power structures. Speaking in Colour will present First Nations-led workshops celebrating connection, culture, and creativity through weaving, art-making with natural materials, and collaborative hands-on activities.
Angela Tiatia: Muse will open on Friday 25 September alongside First Night Art Party, with priority access to the Newcastle Art Gallery provided to Muse ticketholders. Book Now at the Newcastle Art Gallery website to beat the queues.
Inside Newcastle City Library you can experience Night Blooms, a free, drop-in creative hub filled with light, colour, creativity and fun for all ages. Featuring face painting, neon beading, UV drawing and lei necklace making. Find out more.
Dance, create, and join the celebration.
EVENT SCHEDULE - LAMAN STREET
MC Maddie Casha
5:00pm - Welcome to Country with Aunty Cheryl and Uncle Raymond
5:10pm - Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam Dance Group
5:30pm - 9:00pm - Lollylei Workshops and Speaking in Colour Workshops
5:30pm - Faifai Malie Singers
5.45pm - Salafai Central Dancers
6:15pm - Djanaba
6:55pm - Ngaiire
8:00pm - Aleksiah
9:00pm - Event finish
EVENT SCHEDULE - NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY
5:00pm - Angela Tiatia: Muse priority access - Book Now
5:00pm - 9:00pm - Gallery open - free exhibitions
5:00pm - 9:00pm - DJ Fallback in the Central Atrium
5:40pm - Dr Hubble's Bubbles - Balcony Performance
6:55pm - Dr Hubble's Bubbles - Balcony Performance
7:55pm - Dr Hubble's Bubbles - Balcony Performance
EVENT SCHEDULE - NEWCASTLE CITY LIBRARY
5:00pm - 9:00pm - Night Blooms inside the Library
DURATION
4 hrs
SENSORY & CONTENT WARNING
First Night Art Party will contain loud music and flashing lights. Suitable for all ages.
WET WEATHER
In the event of light rain, this event will proceed as planned.
ACCESSIBILITY
Laman Street is wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available at Newcastle City Library.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
Presented by New Annual and Newcastle Art Gallery.
First Night Art Party is proudly funded by the NSW Government through Transport for NSW "Vibrant Open Streets Program" and Multicultural NSW "Stronger Together" grant.