First Night Art Party
We’re taking it to the streets.
New Annual kicks off with a free night of music, movement and art on Laman Street, featuring high-energy pop sets from Haiku Hands, Kira Puru and Devaura, roving performances, and stunning art projections.
For one night only, Newcastle Art Gallery's façade become a canvas for shared storytelling. Celebrating new commissions by First Nations artists, this unique experience showcases projected animations co-created by Art Thinking with local children — lighting up the building with community, culture and creativity.
There will be roving perfomances from the awe-inspiriing Erth Underwater Divers, and free drop-in workshops for kids to create their own fish necklace inspired by New Annual artist Rosie Deacon. Families can also enjoy a range of hands-on ocean themed creative activities inside Newcastle City Library. Expect food trucks, a family-friendly party atmosphere, and the chance to celebrate the creative community of Newcastle!
This is a street party you won’t want to miss!
SCHEDULE
5:00pm - 5:30pm - Rosie Deacon drop-in necklace workshops, Newcastle Art Gallery childrens drawing and projections.
5:30pm - Jack Chambers
6:00pm - Taikoz + roving performances by Erth Underwater Divers
6:20pm - Kira Puru
6:50pm - Hunter School of Performing Arts Marching Band
7:10pm - DEVAURA + roving performances by Erth Underwater Divers
7:40pm - Taikoz
8:00pm - Haiku Hands + roving performances by Erth Underwater Divers
8:40pm - Taikoz
HEADLINERS
Haiku Hands are festival favourites for their wild choreography and chaotic live shows - praised as part Scissor Sisters, Azelia Banks, Bjork and Warhol by British Vogue. Their latest album, Pleasure Beast is the electro-pop-rap manifesto this side of Gorillaz, Dr. Dre, and The Presets that the world needs.
Fearless and disruptive, Kira Puru is back to remind us all why she is a pop icon for the modern age. She has earned a reputation for captivating crowds as a razor-sharp performer with one of Australia’s biggest voices and a personality to match - "..stadium-ready swagger." - Music Junkee.
DEVAURA has burst onto the scene with her powerful performances and whip smart lyrics, drawing on her background in both singing and rapping, DEVAURA has quickly gained recognition for her unique style and authentic storytelling and has been wowing folks at Laneway, Dark MOFO and more.
Photo: Erth Underwater Divers, roving perfomers during First Night Art Party.
DURATION
4hrs
SENSORY & CONTENT WARNING
First Night Art Party will contain loud music, flashing lights and large scale projections.
WET WEATHER
In the event of light rain, this event will proceed as planned. In the unlikely event of extreme weather, performances will be relocated to Newcastle City Hall.
ACCESSIBILITY
Laman Street is wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available at Newcastle 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.
For one night only, Newcastle Art Gallery's façade become a canvas for shared storytelling. Celebrating new commissions by First Nations artists, this unique experience showcases projected animations co-created by Art Thinking with local children — lighting up the building with community, culture and creativity.
There will be roving perfomances from the awe-inspiriing Erth Underwater Divers, and free drop-in workshops for kids to create their own fish necklace inspired by New Annual artist Rosie Deacon. Families can also enjoy a range of hands-on ocean themed creative activities inside Newcastle City Library. Expect food trucks, a family-friendly party atmosphere, and the chance to celebrate the creative community of Newcastle!
This is a street party you won’t want to miss!
SCHEDULE
5:00pm - 5:30pm - Rosie Deacon drop-in necklace workshops, Newcastle Art Gallery childrens drawing and projections.
5:30pm - Jack Chambers
6:00pm - Taikoz + roving performances by Erth Underwater Divers
6:20pm - Kira Puru
6:50pm - Hunter School of Performing Arts Marching Band
7:10pm - DEVAURA + roving performances by Erth Underwater Divers
7:40pm - Taikoz
8:00pm - Haiku Hands + roving performances by Erth Underwater Divers
8:40pm - Taikoz
HEADLINERS
Haiku Hands are festival favourites for their wild choreography and chaotic live shows - praised as part Scissor Sisters, Azelia Banks, Bjork and Warhol by British Vogue. Their latest album, Pleasure Beast is the electro-pop-rap manifesto this side of Gorillaz, Dr. Dre, and The Presets that the world needs.
Fearless and disruptive, Kira Puru is back to remind us all why she is a pop icon for the modern age. She has earned a reputation for captivating crowds as a razor-sharp performer with one of Australia’s biggest voices and a personality to match - "..stadium-ready swagger." - Music Junkee.
DEVAURA has burst onto the scene with her powerful performances and whip smart lyrics, drawing on her background in both singing and rapping, DEVAURA has quickly gained recognition for her unique style and authentic storytelling and has been wowing folks at Laneway, Dark MOFO and more.
Photo: Erth Underwater Divers, roving perfomers during First Night Art Party.
DURATION
4hrs
SENSORY & CONTENT WARNING
First Night Art Party will contain loud music, flashing lights and large scale projections.
WET WEATHER
In the event of light rain, this event will proceed as planned. In the unlikely event of extreme weather, performances will be relocated to Newcastle City Hall.
ACCESSIBILITY
Laman Street is wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available at Newcastle 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.
