Newcastle Art Gallery Talks & Ideas

Join us for a series of panel discussions and an in conversation with artist Megan Cope as we explore the themes of Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House through the lens of contemporary art, local oysters, community collaboration and environmental stewardship.

Learn about the cultural significance of oysters and local histories of Newcastle in a program line up to feature local and national artists, oyster experts, knowledge holders and more. 

Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House hopes that by centring and honouring the oyster, we can transform our understanding of Country and reinvigorate our deep responsibilities to it.

Opening Celebration & In Conversation | Saturday 28 Sept 10:00am - 11:30am 
Join us for the launch celebrations and hear from internationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope as she discusses the project and her practice informed by more than six years of research. This event will be Auslan-interpreted courtesy of Deaf Connect. Register here. 

Ancestral Technologies in Contemporary Art | Saturday 28 Sep 2:00pm
Join Megan Cope and local artists and collaborators Nicole Chaffey and Shellie Smith for a panel discussion exploring their practices. Learn how each artist traces personal histories, explores cultural practices, and honours ancestral technologies through the lens of contemporary art. 

Protecting Aquatic Ecologies | Sunday 29 Sep 11:00am + 2:00pm
Did you know the humble oyster can filter up to 150 litres of water a day? That’s enough to fill a bathtub every two days! Conservation charity OzFish share the science of this shellfish hero and how YOU can help revitalise your local waterways. 

Water as Life | Saturday 5 Oct 11:00am
Learn about the history, ecology and industry of local oysters and waterways on Awabakal and Worimi Country. Join us for a riveting panel discussion with local community members and experts.

SENSORY & CONTENT WARNING
Children under 12 years of age to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House events. 

ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair access

ARTISTS & COLLABORATORS
Artist & creator: Megan Cope @nutmegandhoney  
Megan Cope is represented by Milani Gallery, Meeanjin/Brisbane. 

The pavilion for Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House has been designed by students at the University of Newcastle School of Architecture and Built Environment facilitated by Associate Professor Sam Spurr and Senior Lecturer Anna Tweeddale: Alistair Eglington, Chalyse Fowler, Ivie Wong Hueyyi, Joshua Medbury, Keiran Buckley, Peter Ellis, Rachel Florey, Tahlia Phillips, Tom Licata. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Presented by Newcastle Art Gallery and New Annual.

                
Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House is presented exclusively by Newcastle Art Gallery for New Annual. Project supporters include University of Newcastle, the NSW Government through Create NSW and Thermidor.