NSW’s newest gallery will burst onto the arts scene with a vibrant exhibition program to be presented in the soon-to-be-opened $4.08 million space. 

In its first six months, the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre will present three major exhibits alongside curated selections from the Singleton Civic Art collection, which comprises more than 120 artworks.

The inaugural exhibitions (6 March – 8 May), funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions Program and opening to the public on 6 March, is expected to feature new commissions by photographer Edwina Richards and indigenous artist Debbie Becker, each of whom have a unique connection to Singleton and the Hunter Valley.

Singleton Council’s director organisation and community capacity Vicki Brereton said the centre’s innovative program provided engaging contemporary art exhibits alongside a range of workshops and artist talks.

“Edwina Richards’ We Are Singleton: Portrait of a Town celebrates the diversity and richness of the identity of the people who call Singleton home,” she explained.

“This exhibition is designed to capture a moment in time in Singleton’s history.

“Images will be able to be viewed both in the centre and out of context in surprising public locations around our LGA that, together, tell the unique stories of Singleton – both the place and the people. 

“Meanwhile, proud Wanaruah woman Debbie Becker has studied the intersection of recorded local history and Aboriginal narratives to track the evolution of indigenous land over the past 200 years in Mapping Wanaruah/Wonnarua.

“This series has been undertaken in consultation with local elders and brings together stories that highlight the enduring resonance of place.

“We are very excited to showcase who Singleton is in this amazing new exhibition space and we cannot wait to welcome Singleton residents and visitors in to experience it.” 

The first exhibit will then make way for the Wollemi Project (14 May – 2 July) in partnership with Muswellbrook Regional Gallery, featuring work from five local artists including Rebecca Rath, Marie Mansfield, Mark Dober, Travis De Vries and Michelle Napanangka Earl, captured on country throughout the Singleton local government area.

The Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre was funded in partnership between council and a $2.787 million Create NSW grant.

The centre boasts 300 square metres of state-of-the-art gallery space, and two artists’ workshops including wet and digital studios.

To commemorate the official opening, a community event will take place in Townhead Park on Sunday 6 March from noon to 2pm, with gallery tours, free kids’ entertainment including jumping castles and face painting, live music and performances, and sausage sizzle.

Entry to the exhibitions at the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre is free.

For more information on upcoming exhibitions and the opening event, visit https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/artsandculturalcentre

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