Three art lovers are being given the chance to walk away with a permanent reminder of Newcastle Art Gallery’s nationally significant collection as part of the opening weekend celebrations.
But they won’t have to worry about finding the perfect space to hang their prize, with the work of art instead being a bespoke tattoo inspired by the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition.
Fresh from supporting Katy Perry on a national tour, Hunter musicians Kinder will be among the live performance highlights at the Friday night street party, which kicks off Newcastle Art Gallery’s opening weekend celebrations. Picture credit: Billy Zammit
The winners will be inked during the Friday night street party by Newcastle artist and tattooer Eddy Lou, as part of a packed opening weekend program of art, music and interactive experiences.
Director Lauretta Morton OAM said while the tattoos were a quirky way to celebrate the milestone, every visit to Newcastle Art Gallery was designed to leave a lasting impression.
“Our collection offers an extraordinary time capsule of art from around the world, incorporating significant First Nations artists, colonial era Australian icons, internationally important Japanese Sodeisha ceramics, contemporary pieces and so much more,” Ms Morton said.
“Throughout our seasonal exhibitions we will also be providing visitors with a chance to experience ambitious programs that are locally grounded, nationally engaged and globally minded.
“The expansion project is about more than just increasing the exhibition space; it’s about reimagining the Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination.
“Regardless of why people come to the Gallery, we want to ensure they leave different as a result of the experience, with memories to cherish and a desire to return again and again.”
The opening weekend will be a celebration of all the Gallery has to offer, incorporating artists from the collection and successful creatives from across the region to become cultural ambassadors for the Gallery.
Laman Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a street party from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 27 February.
Explore the temporary sculpture park featuring works by Braddon Snape and Dani Marti, as well as a disco-inspired garden created by Jen Denzin and David Lobb, which will evolve throughout the weekend thanks to interactive art-making activities perfect for the whole family.
A live music stage will feature a diverse line-up, including performances by Newcastle artist James Drinkwater and his surf rock band The Pitts, Maitland siblings Kinder, who are fresh from supporting Katy Perry on her Australian tour, and headliner DJ, songwriter and producer Jayteehazard.
Live performances will also be taking place inside the Gallery, including the CREATION choir led by multidisciplinary collection artists Deborah Kelly, Newcastle-based Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar and his dance group, and artist Tina Havelock Stevens, who will combine movement and music in a one-of-a-kind drumming solo.
Art-lovers keen to win the flash tattoo experience on the night will need to head along to the Gallery on Fridays, Saturday or Sundays in the lead up to the opening weekend to put their name in the barrel.
The celebrations will continue on Saturday 28 February with the official opening of the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition, displayed over both levels of the gallery, bringing together icons, favourites and unexpected gems from the Gallery’s $145 million collection.
A series of in-person talks will be held on the Saturday featuring collection artists including internationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, whose striking work Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country) features 44 poles adorned with bouquets of rock oyster shells suspended within the new central atrium.
Another of the Gallery’s iconic suspended works of art, The sea sun of 5 bells by Newcastle’s own John Olsen, will also be the subject of an ‘in conversation’ program with internationally respected Gallerist Tim Olsen, and Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton who will discuss Olsen’s most significant paintings.
A visit to the Gallery won’t be complete without a trip to the retail shop, which champions local makers and creators, and the Gallery’s first permanent café, which will be open ready for the weekend celebrations.
Named Hilliers in honour of the Oliver Hillier Drapery Store previously on the Gallery site, it will be operated by Jacque and Tom Brown, founders of Sprout Catering in Newcastle, who will infuse their longstanding commitment to seasonal food, sustainability and community into the cafe.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring Hilliers to life inside the Newcastle Art Gallery. Being part of such an important cultural institution is a privilege, and we see the café as a place where people can continue their experience of art through food, conversation and connection,” Jacque Brown said.
“The name pays tribute to the original Hilliers store that once stood on the corner of Darby and Laman Streets, a place woven into Newcastle’s early social fabric. Our vision is to honour that history while creating a warm, contemporary space for visitors to pause, connect and enjoy locally crafted food and coffee.
“We want Hilliers to feel like an extension of the gallery – creative, welcoming and distinctly Newcastle.”
Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ for more details on the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project and full reopening program.