Newcastle Art Gallery Celebrates Major Expansion with Tattoo Giveaway and Street Party
The Newcastle Art Gallery is marking the opening of its highly anticipated $145 million expansion project with a series of vibrant celebrations, including a unique tattoo giveaway that promises to leave a permanent impression on three lucky art enthusiasts. The first new space within the expansion was completed in September last year, setting the stage for this month's grand opening festivities.
Permanent Art on Skin: Tattoo Competition Highlights Opening Weekend
In a quirky twist to commemorate this cultural milestone, the gallery is offering three individuals the chance to win a tattoo inspired by the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition. Unlike traditional art prizes that require framing, these winners will carry their artwork on their skin, inked by local Newcastle artist and tattooer Eddy Lou during a Friday night street party on February 27. The event, which will see Laman Street closed to traffic from 5pm to 9pm, kicks off a weekend packed with art, music, and interactive experiences designed to engage the community.
Gallery Director Envisions Lasting Impressions and Return Visits
Gallery director Lauretta Morton emphasised that while the tattoos are a fun and unconventional way to celebrate, the overarching goal of the expansion is to create memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits. "Our collection offers an extraordinary time capsule of art from around the world," Ms Morton said. "It incorporates significant First Nations artists, colonial era Australian icons, internationally important Japanese Sodeisha ceramics, contemporary pieces and so much more." She added that the project aims to redefine the gallery as a destination, ensuring visitors leave with cherished memories and a desire to return "again and again".
Weekend Festivities: From Sculpture Parks to Live Music
The opening weekend promises a diverse array of activities for all ages. A temporary sculpture park will feature works by artists such as Braddon Snape and Dani Marti, alongside a disco-inspired garden created by Jen Denzin and David Lobb that will evolve with interactive art-making sessions. Live music will be a highlight, with performances from Newcastle artist James Drinkwater and his surf rock band The Pitts, Maitland siblings Kinder—fresh from supporting Katy Perry on her Australian tour—and headliner DJ Jayteehazard. Inside the gallery, attendees can enjoy performances by the CREATION choir led by Deborah Kelly, Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar and his dance group, and a unique drumming solo by Tina Havelock Stevens.
How to Enter the Tattoo Competition and Explore New Exhibitions
Art lovers keen to win the flash tattoo experience must visit the gallery on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays leading up to the opening weekend to enter their name in a barrel draw. The celebrations continue on February 28 with the official opening of the Iconic Loved Unexpected exhibition, which spans both levels of the gallery and showcases icons, favourites, and unexpected gems from the $145 million collection. A series of in-person talks will be held on Saturday, featuring collection artists like internationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, whose work Kinyingarra Guwinyanba (Off Country) is displayed in the new central atrium.
New Cafe and Retail Shop Enhance Visitor Experience
Adding to the gallery's revitalised offerings, a new permanent cafe named Hilliers—honouring the Oliver Hillier Drapery Store that once stood on the site—will be operated by Sprout Catering founders Jacque and Tom Brown. "We're incredibly proud to bring Hilliers to life inside the Newcastle Art Gallery," Ms Brown said. "We see the cafe as a place where people can continue their experience of art through food, conversation and connection." The retail shop will also feature items from local makers and creators, further embedding the gallery within Newcastle's cultural and social fabric.
