Newcastle is known as an innovative and creative region with a vibrant cultural history and thriving arts community.

This is something we’re proud to support and encourage at City of Newcastle through our significant investment in our cultural and community facilities, programs, events and live music.

There’s certainly a lot happening in this space at the moment, as we watch the new Art Gallery take shape after more than a decade of advocacy to make the expansion a reality.

We’ve also just announced a fantastic program for this year’s New Annual festival, which will return to the city in September for 10 days of art, culture and creativity, showcasing both local and national artists and performers.

I can’t wait to experience all New Annual has to offer in September and to welcome our community back into the expanded Art Gallery next year.

A sneak peek

Meanwhile, we’ve given Novocastrians their first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery as construction progresses on the landmark project.

Artist’s impressions and an animated flythrough of its new interior reveal a grand new entry, sleek, modern aesthetic, light-filled rooms and an expansive range of exhibition spaces that demonstrate just how fantastic it will be.

The Newcastle Art Gallery will deliver a substantial cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, providing greater access to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art and a wider range of prominent local, national and international exhibitions.

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation chair Suzie Galwey also said excitement was building among its members and donors, following the presentation of a cheque for $4.55 million to Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen for the expansion.

That represents many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world-class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter.

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