Artists from throughout Australia are being invited to make their mark on the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery (NAG).
As the project moves towards the next phase, NAG will commission four new artworks to be displayed on the hoarding (temporary fencing) erected around the site for the duration of the construction work, which is on track to begin mid-year.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) for artists coincides with City of Newcastle (CN) opening a tender for the contractors shortlisted to complete the main development.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the steps were a positive sign of things to come for the Newcastle Art Gallery.
“It’s wonderful to kick off the new year with two important milestones for this much-anticipated project,” she explained.
“The expansion will provide greater access to our nationally significant collection and a wider range of prominent exhibitions.
“In the meantime, however, it is important to give our community as many avenues as possible to stay connected to the Newcastle Art Gallery including an outreach program at local schools, our Night Galleries digital displays throughout the city, and a new six-part podcast series, Conversations from the Collection.
“Given the site’s prominent location in the heart of our city, the construction hoarding project offers a unique opportunity for established or emerging artists to reach new audiences while also improving the external view of the work zone.
“I can’t wait to see the calibre of concepts proposed by artists during this Expression of Interest period.
“I’m also looking forward to the successful construction company and timelines being confirmed at a future council meeting following the tender process.”
The street hoarding project is being supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Local and national artists and collectives working in all mediums are invited to apply, with the chosen works of art to be digitally reproduced for display on the construction hoarding.
For more information, visit www.nag.org.au/
The $40 million expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program and $5 million from the NSW Government, as well as $10.5 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years.
A further $2.5 million is being sought through the foundation’s public fundraising campaign.
The reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
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