First Nations culture will be at the heart of the community's first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery next month.
The Gallery has commissioned Newcastle-based artists Renae Lamb and Adam Manning to create significant new works of art for both the front entry and central atrium of the building.
Renae Lamb in her studio (still), Newcastle, NSW 2025. Image courtesy Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia. Videographer: Erling Grønhaug.
These will be among the first works of art visitors will experience when City of Newcastle unveils the double height atrium and three of the new gallery spaces during the New Annual festival.
Director Lauretta Morton OAM said Newcastle Art Gallery is committed to celebrating First Nations artists with major acquisitions, commissions, exhibitions and programming.
"We're championing a First Nations First ethos, embedding the culture and creativity of Indigenous communities into the architectural and artistic fabric of the expanded Art Gallery," Ms Morton said.
"Renae's beautiful songlines design has been fabricated in steel and permanently installed in the concrete floor of the central atrium, while Adam's immersive soundscape will also provide connection to Country as visitors enter the Gallery.
"Together with our two stunning suspended sculptures by Awabakal artist Shellie Smith and acclaimed Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, the work of First Nations artists is grounded in the heart of Newcastle Art Gallery now and for generations to come."
Renae Lamb is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri and Wongaibon people of Central West NSW.
Her work, Dabuyarra murun: A story of life, legacy, and connection, 2025, was inspired by strong women and connecting stories, and has been installed where the original 1977 building and the new expansion meet.
"The rivers and songlines are the threads that bind us together, reminding us that no matter where we go, we are always connected - to each other, to the land and to the wisdom of the women who guide us," Ms Lamb said.
"These lines represent the journeys we take, the stories we tell and the connections we form with one another."
Adam Manning performing at DEAD TONGUE Closing Celebration (still), event documentation, Newcastle, NSW 2023. Image courtesy Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia, 2023. Videographer: Nicholas Smit.
Adam Manning was born on Awabakal/Worimi Country and has Kamilaroi kinship. He said his work, A Sonic Acknowledgment of Country, 2025, unfolds as a journey through five distinct soundscapes drawn from Newcastle, Awabakal Country and surrounding areas.
"Composed in 2025, it represents my most expansive creative work to date. The structure is a call and response between Country and composer, where each natural sound shapes the musical narrative that follows," Mr Manning said.
"Whether it's the pulse of the clapsticks or the quiet breath of the forest, I hope visitors feel a sense of calm and connection to the land."
Significant works by First Nations artists and other works from the Gallery's collection will also be on display when the new Gallery spaces open during New Annual, along with a new Gallery shop and Learning Studio, where visitors can also view the inaugural window commission by Newcastle artist Maggie Hensel-Brown.
The Gallery will be open each Friday to Sunday with timed entry and free guided tours while the remainder of the Gallery spaces continue to be prepared in line with the strict environmental conditions required for the return of its nationally significant $145 million collection.
A grand reopening of the entire Gallery will be held in February next year, in conjunction with a major exhibition of works of art from the collection and the unveiling of the commission by internationally renowned artist Fayen d'Evie.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said there were a range of critical considerations to properly prepare the building for the return of the Gallery's collection and major touring exhibitions.
"The long-term presentation of works of art requires very specific environmental conditions within the Gallery," Mr Bath said.
"This includes everything from lighting, humidity and temperature control systems to the removal of construction and atmospheric dust, in line with strict International Museum Standards.
"All of this must be carefully considered and put into place - not just to protect our incredible collection - but to make sure that we fully meet international standards and art insurance cover requirements.
"Come February Newcastle Art Gallery will finally become a bold and striking celebration of art for our city, state and nation and I look forward to celebrating the delivery of this once-in-a-generation project, which we can all be proud of."
The project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 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 $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation's public fundraising campaign.
Art lovers can visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ to stay up-to-date with the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project and to be the first to know how to sign up for the free "first look" guided tours during New Annual.
