News
We’ve updated a printable map of the Renew Newcastle projects so you can navigate your own walking tour.
Copies of the map will be available from Renew Newcastle shops and galleries but you can also find it in the front window of every Renew Newcastle space – so look out for the distinctive marker as you walk by. Or, if you prefer, you can download the map and print it.
MAP v6 JUNE 2011 IS OUT NOW
The Map v6 directs you to 22 properties which have been cleaned up and activated by local artists and creatives, in and around the Hunter St Mall area (between Perkins St and Newcomen St) and extending up King St and Hunter St into Newcastle West.
Renew Newcastle has been working hard to secure properties all around the city. We work with a range of property owners from developers to private investors, and a range of property types from retail shopfronts to commercial offices.
There are currently 30 projects activating these otherwise empty spaces – featuring local creative enterprises which are producing and selling the things that they make: design (graphic, web, fashion, architecture, interior), photography, printmaking, painting, illustration, millinery, jewellery, animation, publishing, video & music. Read all about them here.
Keep checking back – as we launch more projects and properties we will update the map to include their details.
Thinking of visiting?
All of the shops and galleries have different public opening hours, so you should check the opening hours of each space. But if you are thinking of visiting to look at alll of the projects which are open to the public in the one trip, the best time to catch most of them open are Wednesdays – Saturdays between 11 – 3pm. Many of these projects are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Projects in commercial offices are running 9-5 weekday businesses, and are open to visits from clients by appointment.
Download the map as a JPG.
Also on Friday 1 July is the opening night for Su Walker’s latest exhibition Through the looking glass, where the Gallery RAW artist in residence reveals an exciting new style and look.
Artist Su Walker says of the works on show “Photography is a voyage of discovery and painting with a camera has given me an avenue to express energies, feelings, and emotions rather than portray the obvious.The viewer in some cases may have no realistic visual clue as to my photographs subject matter but indulge in a sensory experience of colour and mood. My journey within continues as I sense myself evolving through my work, inspired and fully absorbed ‘in the moment”.
Gallery RAW curator Mark St Clair says “In what can be described as a photographic style of impressionism, the effect is captured in camera with minimal post production and this is what makes these images truly unique. This is a very different aspect of photography and these photographs will evoke different emotions and reactions from the viewer. This is a much awaited show: if you have been following Su’s work you will have noted that she is a progressive photographer and printer who’s work is constantly evolving. The July exhibition demonstrates this with a dramatic twist and it is with much enthusiasm that Gallery RAW introduces it to the public.”
Gallery RAW specialises in exhibiting experiemental and innovative photographic art, and attracts large, lively and engaged audiences to their monthly opening nights. Come along if you are interested in photography and getting connected to a local network of photographic artists, or to find out how you can exhibit.
Location: 202 King St Newcastle, just next to Hot Power Yoga.
Opening Night: 7pm, Friday 1 July 2011
Exhibition runs until: Saturday 30 July 2011
Gallery Opening Hours: Thurs – Sat 10am – 4pm or by appointment 0401 614 132
Contact: email admin[at]galleryraw.com to apply for a show at Gallery RAW
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Newcastle Herald 18 June 2011
Look at what illustrator and printmaker David Hampton has been up to in his Renew Newcastle studio: creating a series of works to decorate Marjorie the steam locomotive at the Richmond Vale Rail Museum.
We know that David is also busy finishing a series of works to be unveiled at the new Newcastle Museum which is opening at its Honeysuckle location in August.
David’s studio desk
Congratulations to the team at one of Renew’s newest projects Rollingball Creative Productions, who were named finalists in the Dungog Film Festival pitch contest, a part of the Screen Producers Association of Australia’s (SPAA) Fringe National Pitch Competition.
L-R: Competition Judges David Williamson, Des Monaghan & Sigrid Thornton. April Howard & the other two finalists. Outside James Theatre in Dungog.
As part of a nation wide search for the country’s best film and tv projects, Rollingball’s entry was narrowed from 80 to three, and producer April Howard took part in a live workshop where the audience dissected and provided feedback on the concept. Followed by a nerve-wracking pitch to an audience of 400 and a judging panel comprising Sigrid Thornton, David Williamson and Des Monaghan.
We asked April to tell us a bit about the competition:
To gain entry into the competition we had write an 80 word summary which described our concept. This in itself proved challenging as we needed to capture the essence of what we’re doing in a few short paragraphs.
How were you feeling on the day?
To take part in the live workshop and then pitch was a huge step for me personally and our company. Suffice to say that it was one of the most nerve-wracking and rewarding experiences I have had to face in one day. What I found most significant about the event and the festival in general, was the encouragement and support we received from industry professionals and the general public. It is clear that although it is a competitive industry, the people working within it want to see each other succeed and are willing to support one another and collaborate to ensure creative projects progress in this country.
Reaching top 3 is an excellent result – what did you get out of the experience?
Although we didn’t make it into the next round of the pitching competition, we were told by SPAA that our concept was the most likely to make it into production as a television series. The encouraging and constructive feedback we received from the event is helping to shape the next phase of Eat Fresh Drink Local, and the industry contacts which we have established have already proven invaluable.
So the judges loved your idea and thought it was the most commercially viable. Tell us more…
The whole essence of Eat Fresh Drink Local is discovering your own backyard, sourcing local and seasonal products and experiencing the grassroots level of food and wine production. The judges said that Eat Fresh Drink Local was a fantastic platform to discover the regional diversity of people, places and products within this great country of ours.
So where will Rollingball take this opportunity?
The first four webisodes for Eat Fresh Drink Local in the Hunter will be launched online in conjunction with Bacchus Restaurant on 20 June 2011. Tourism Hunter is supporting the initiative and Rollingball will be working to produce another four episodes over the coming months to further showcase the food and wine delights in the region. As a national concept, Rollingball will be working with the government and private sector to secure funding to produce a tv and web series, website and mobile app in the future.
You can follow the Eat Fresh Drink Local journey on Rollingball’s blog.
Get out and about this First Friday of the month – with 3 exhibitions opening you can do your own gallery crawl to Odditorium, Gallery Raw, and The Roost Creative:
happily ever afternoon. Exhibition & artist’s talk by Jo Dyer
Join us for the very delightful opening of happily ever afternoon, an exhibition of original works and prints by Newcastle’s Jo Dyer.
Inspired by childhood dreams, fairytales, memories of travel and imaginary friends, Jo works to create imagery that is captivating and a little quirky.
Her artwork has featured in Curvy magazine and has been exhibited at Watt Space, Shopfront Gallery, Brunswick Street Gallery, The Black Chandelier and in.cube8r. Her handmade brooches and art prints are stocked in a handful of shops around Australia.
This is your chance to buy one of Jo’s original illustrations, or take home some beautiful handmade goodies.
Exhibition Opening: Friday 3 June, 7pm Exhibition dates: 25 May – 10 June. Location: The Roost Creative, Suite 4, 426 King St. Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am – 3pm. RSVP on facebook
happily ever afternoon tea – Jo is inviting budding illustrators and others interested in following her path to join her for afternoon tea and artist’s talk 2-4pm Saturday 4 June. $10 per person. Afternoon tea included. Bookings are essential via happilyeverafternoon@gmail.com
First Friday of the month at Odditorium. Works by Karl Claydon
On the First Friday evening of June we shall be staying open for a spot of late night pedddling & portrait parlour action… wine & nibbles supplied. Only $5 for polaroid portraits – come peruse & play in our paisley patch for a rockin retro keepsake. New additions to the wonder room include the work of the master of macabre Mr Karl Claydon – own something unique – his clock sculptures are original and unusual – think dollparts, coffin lids, functioning art.
Opening: Friday 3 June 4-7pm Location: Odditorium, downstairs 14 thorn St (off King St below the cathedral) RSVP on facebook
Dance – An Elevation of the Soul. First solo exhibition by Katherine Williams
As a dancer herself, the photographer has been able to combine her two passions, photography and dance. For this series of images, she selected Newcastle dancers as her models and chose either dance studios or well-known local locations for her shoots. Every type of dance is different, as is every dancer and each dancer will display their unique connection to the art in their movements. In this exhibition, Katherine has tried to portray the beauty of dance. While the body is always the main focus, she has also allowed the dancers’ personality and emotion to shine through. The opening night is not to be missed, as Katherine will not only be exhibiting her unique images, but also allowing her models to perform at Gallery RAW, with salsa dancing for everyone to join in towards the end of the evening.
Opening Night: Friday 3 June 7pm. Exhibition: 4 – 29 June. Location: Gallery RAW, 202 King St. Gallery hours: Thurs-Sun 11am-3pm RSVP on facebook
Last weeks of Art Vandelay, the show about nothing – a Seinfeld inspired exhibition. Featuring 10 local artists, curated by Jessica Louittit. Ends Sat 18 June.
Location: ARThive, Level 1/111 Hunter Street (entry off Morgan St). Gallery hours: Weds-Sat 12-5pm. More on facebook
Teasing the Taught. Solo exhibition by Eddie Botha
Eddie is Landscape Architect and emerging artist who loves portraying human behaviours in contrast to technology, playing off nature and just entertaining with humoristic images. The works ranging vastly in size and mediums: oil paint and pencil sketches with frames manufactured from recycled timber. Eddie says about his work: “The human behaviours; lust, greed, betrayal, love, politics, and religion amuses and saddens me. It is said that my work ‘penetrates the subconcious without hangups’, and thats what I believe art should be about. I hope you feel touched by my works. They tell stories of life, joy, troubles, growth and sometimes pain.”
Opening Night: Friday 24 June 7pm Exhibition open: 25 June – 2 July Location: ARThive, Level 1/111 Hunter Street (entry off Morgan St). Gallery hours: Weds-Sat 12-5pm. RSVP on facebook
Newcastle&Beyond: Taking your creative enterprise to the world.
A three part series of free professional development forums for Newcastle’s creatives.
Join us on Weds 22 June for part 2: Online Business with Zac Zavos from Lost at e minor will offer strategies and tools for growing an online presence for creative businesses. Tickets: Free but you must register. More information
New Project Launch
The Wedding – the Grand Opening of Tipsy Orchestra. Odditorium & Tipsy Orchestra invite you to come and join us for a night of Magic, Music and a Wedding of fashions at Thorns Black Lovechild. Thorn because we are on Thorn St, Black because thats what we painted it and Lovechild because our shops are our babies and of course we love them. Art by: Charlotte Weight and Jean Paul Zilliacus Tunes: The Moose Club. Opening night: Thursday 5 May, 6-9pm. Upstairs & Downstairs, 14 Thorn St Newcastle.
Upstairs, Tipsy Orchestra is a boutique/studio, which has taken over where Before It Began left off. Art and fashion can be found. Clocks to incredible frocks, the products exude attitude. Local and national designers grace the shelves alongside the Tipsy Orchestra label, an entertaining and rich coloured womens range made in store. With a strong emphasis on recycling, ethical and sustainable practices.
Downstairs, Odditorium Vintage & Portrait Parlour is an ecclectic store of fineries, art and installation. We have a photobooth frame facade for you to dressup and say cheese with, and a Dead-Stuff-wonder-room for the curious eye. We peddle in men’s and women’s vintage & retro clothing, accessories & bric-a brac, with featured artists' work adorning the walls.
May Exhibitions
unwritten, unspoken, just seen by Eric Lam. A showcase of the works of local photography enthusiast Eric Lam, an international student at University of Newcastle, who has just completed his PhD degree. He combines and practises many different techniques and styles which, in his own words, “I have gathered from the greats”. Shown in this vibrant exhibition are the examples of how his different techniques and styles shine, from landscapes, macro, architecture, to a hint of portraiture. Exhibition Dates: 6-29 May. Opening night: Friday 6 May 2011, 7pm. Gallery Raw 202 King St Newcastle. Gallery open Thurs – Sat 11am-3pm
Longing to be knotted together by mega
Catch the last week of this illustration and design jungle warrior explosion. Prints still available for purchase.
Exhibition dates 15 April – 7 May. ARThive 111 Hunter St (entry off Morgan St), Gallery open Weds – Sat 12-5pm. RSVP on Facebook .
iPortrait by Le Pie A series of eleven lo-fi portrait photographs and a digital installation. The photographs have been shot using an iPhone, exploring social networking sites and the facades people often create for themselves within these forums. The exhibition also incorporates a Le Pie Art facebook page projected onto the gallery wall in real time, viewers can access this page and post things digitally on the gallery wall. You canstart posting things on this wall now by clicking this link Exhibition dates: 13 – 21 May. Opening Night: Friday 13 May 2011, 7pm. ARThive 111 Hunter St (entry off Morgan St), Gallery open Weds – Sat 12-5pm. RSVP on Facebook
Art Vandelay – Tribute to Seinfeld group exhibition. Curated by Jessica Louttit The month of May will see ARThive basking in something the whole neurotic family can enjoy as Jessica Louttit takes her obsession with Seinfeld to brand new heights & curates Art Vandelay, the exhibition about nothing. Showcasing the work of Mike Foxall, Ry Wilkin, Grant Hunter, Sarah Mould, Rose Turner & many sponge-worthy others in one huge Seinfeld fan flaunt!
On opening night the gallery will be transformed into a tiny cinema showing back to back episodes of the series for you to enjoy whilst munching down on muffin tops, black & white cookies, Junior Mints & pretzels for any kind of donation to ARThive so we can continue to bring you these fabulous exhibitions & eventually retire to Del Boca Vista! Coming dressed as your favourite character is encouraged & there will be a prize for best costume as well as best ‘Elaine dance’ so start practicing your little kicks! Sweet fancy Moses!
Submissions wanted! With so much to work with in the 9 seasons of Seinfeld the more artists we have involved the better! So if you would like to contribute some fabulous fan art to Art Vandelay we would love to hear from you! Send an e-mail to subjecthive@gmail.com or jmlouttit@gmail.com to share your ideas, get more details, yada yada yada & we can get things rolling!
Exhibition dates: 27 May – 18 June Opening Night: Friday 27 May 2011. ARThive 111 Hunter St (entry off Morgan St), Gallery open Weds – Sat 12-5pm. RSVP on Facebook
New digs: Jzhonnie Bechet Holloway and Bonnie-Grace Dwyer at Before It Began on Darby St. Photos by: Erin Nicole Johnson
Congratulations to Jzhonnie Holloway and Bonnie-Grace Dwyer who have taken their Renew Newcastle initiative Before It Began to the next level and secured a commercial lease on a shop in Darby St.
After testing their ideas over 11 months in 3 temporary Renew Newcastle locations, Before It Began ceased at the Thorn St location mid-March, and last week the energetic pair opened doors in a crisp white new location behind Darby Raj on Darby St, Cooks Hill.
Renew Newcastle asked Erin Nicole Johnson to meet up with the girls and get a sneak preview of the new boutique ahead of the Official Opening Night party on Friday 6 May 2011.
This new location will help increase their focus for emerging Australian artists and designers, as well as a revamping of their vintage collection (most featured in the store is Australian-made). It includes pieces, “that can’t just be found in an op-shop,” says Bonnie.
The garments, ranging in eras from the 1960s to 1990s are in impeccable condition, and very distinctive of the era in which they are from.
“We wanted to go with designers who stand on their own style with a fashion brand,” Bonnie adds, of the choice of designers they carry the lines of in the store.
“We really wanted to include people who are passionate,” Jzhonnie says. “It creates a movement in the store. The people we work with and carry the lines of are pushing themselves.” Many of the pieces are beautiful one-off, hand-sewn garments.
However, not just a store, the location will continue to host monthly events and evolve as they evolve artists. “We want the space to exist as something we’d feel proud to have our art in,” says Jzhonnie. “Before it Began is a breeding ground for inspiration to grow.”
Jzhonnie says that Renew Newcastle gave them a unique break, allowing them to try stocking a combination of their own designs as well as the additional artistic outlets that exist within the space. “Renew Newcastle really gave us an opportunity to open the shop and carry our own line of designs as well as the styles of the emerging Australian designers that we believed in.”
The opening party for Before it Began’s new location is on Friday 6 May and will feature Bonnie’s first solo photography exhibition titled Girls, Girls, Girls. The series of new portraits focuses on girls that have an aura of mystique surrounding them.
Jzhonnie describes the work as a distinctive study of women. “They have a whimsical feel. They’re raw, gentle pictures of girls that seem to be not quite in our realm—as if the girls are not affected by everything we’re affected by today.”
An artist in her own right, Before It Began also features Jzhonnie’s designs from her clothing labels Junkie Collective and Jzhonnie Bechet. Most of the designs feature recycled and reinterpreted denim. “Denim takes on the life of the owner,” says Jzhonnie. “From the wash, to the colours, you can tell what’s happened to the owner and what kind of person wore those jeans. By taking the second-hand jeans, and creating something new with it, I can give it back to the community and [the fabric] can have a new life with someone else.”
Before It Began new store is located at Shop 5, 113-125 Darby St, Newcastle.
M: 0401 961 102
For more details of opening night see the facebook event page
Keep in touch with Before It Began events, exhibitions and new stock – like them on facebook
Before It Began started in April 2010 in collaboration with fellow designer Rhea Newton-Brooke. The trio are now following different dreams – stay tuned for more on Rhea’s new studio and boutique Tipsy Orchestra, which opens on Thursday 5 May at 14 Thorn St.
French artist, MEGA is one of the leading voices of the new artists generation. After a successful career as an art director in France (WAD) and abroad (Acclaim, Australia), Mega decided to devote himself exclusively to his love for art.
Linking traditional techniques with innovative processes, his personal art, known for spicing an urban flavor over tasteful creations, has been celebrated in specialized magazines worldwide. From Nike to Volkswagen to Complex magazine, his images are found on all medias.
Masked warriors, savage girls, iconic objects, swarming insects and other wild creatures emerge straight out from the jungle of MEGA’s imagination. In his epic crusade to capture all the components that surround his mental and physical universe, Mega has paid the closest attention to create a fresh and balanced combination of perfectly clean lines and spectacular deep colors. The challenge was to create appealing and cutting edge drawings with the use of a minimum of elements.
The exhibition will be featured in galleries around Asia/Pacific and Europe (from Singapore to Indonesia to France) With a very limited edition of one hundred prints of every artwork displayed across the world, this allows only ten pieces to be sold in each city- ensure you’re there on opening night to snap up one of these fantastic works before it’s too late!
The very first stop on this amazing tour will be none other than Newcastle’s artist run gallery ARThive. MEGA will be visiting Newcastle as an artist in residence thanks to Renew Newcastle. Be there to check it out and meet the artist himself on opening night before the show adventures on across the world!
Exhibition
Opening Night: Friday 15th April from 7pm. You’re all invited!
Exhibition Dates: 15 April until 7 May 2011
Artist Talk
MEGA will also be giving an artist presentation at School of Design, Communication & IT, The University of Newcastle on Thursday 21 April. All welcome.
Location: Callaghan Campus, Hunter Building HB13 (G12 on this map)
Time: 11.30am-1pm
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Presented by ARThive, Acclaim Magazine, and Renew Newcastle.
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ARThive Gallery Level 1/111 Hunter Street (entry off Morgan St), Newcastle
Open Wed-Sat 12-5pm
Stellated Octahedrons by Renee Fitzpatrick. An exhibition displaying the treatment of a geometrical object over a wide range of artistic disciplines. This show will bring together both two-dimensional and structural objects, exploring the possibilities of modular origami. The artist has created hundreds of fractions and facets, each more intricate than the next. While Fitzpatrick’s work is informed by the rigid process of geometry and mathematics her output is highly refined and transcendent. ‘Stellated Octahedrons’ is a show for lovers of contemporary and and abstract work with a delicate touch. Opening Night: Friday 1 April, 7.00pm Exhibition Dates: 30 March – 9 April. At ARThive, Upstairs, 111 Hunter St (off Morgan St). Likeon Facebook
Longing to be Knotted Together, a touring exhibition by MEGA, illustrator extraordinaire. Masked warriors, savage girls, iconic objects, swarming insects and other wild creatures emerge straight out from the jungle in which Mega imagination leads his insatiable artistic struggle. The exhibition is currently touring around Asia/Pacific and Europe (from Singapore to Indonesia to France), for a very limited edition of one hundred elements of every artwork displayed across the world, allowing only ten pieces to be sold in each city. Opening Night: Friday 15 April 15, 7.00pm. Exhibition dates: 15 April – 7 May. At ARThive, Upstairs, 111 Hunter St (off Morgan St). RSVP on Facebook.
S.S. Malades Booze Cruise by Callum Beatty & Marcus Dixon. Ahoy There Mateys, Odditorium presents a selection of art & illustration from the men behind the clothing label Malade. Opening Night: Friday 1 April. With musical guests Strangers With Candy. So don your funkiest cruisewear and come get nautical! At Odditorium Vintage & Portrait Parlour, Basement, 14 Thorn St. RSVP on Facebook
Land of the Living by James Turvey & Joe Nigel Coleman. The launch of a Novocastrian photo-graphic novella. “Jo’s death was the kind of thing you only read about in short stories. It was the kind of death that wasn’t kind.” Written by local author James Turvey and shot on location in Newcastle by Joe Nigel Coleman, Land of the Living is the story of a family and the story of a city, of loss and reconnection. Opening Night: Friday 15 April, 7.30pm. At The Roost Creative (new location!) Suite 4, 426 King St. RSVP to info@theroostcreative.com.au
First Friday 1 April . First Friday of the month stroll through the city early evening to take in the Renew Newcastle exhibition openings: SS Malades Booze Cruise @ Odditorium and Stellated Octahedrons @ Arthive. You can RSVP on facebook. Plus other cultural events on in the city: The Loft Youth Week Gig 6-9pm @ The Loft Arts & Cultural Centre 7a Wolfe St (launching their awesome school holidays activity program featuring the trickery of Yarn Bombing, Grrls only skateboarding & dj-ing workshops, and a film & theatre sound design course); and Kanuguba Exhibition Opening Night at Salawi, 6-9pm @ 462 Hunter St.
In partnership with Renew Newcastle the Creative Industries Innovation Centre (CIIC) will be providing free individual business consultations for Newcastle’s creative businesses on Thursday 5th May 2011.
The CIIC is an initiative of the Australian Government’s Enterprise Connect program, which is supported by the University of Technology, Sydney, and is delivered nationally to assist small and medium creative enterprises.
This service offers smaller companies and solo practitioners in any creative industry the opportunity to benefit from the knowledge and experience of NSW & ACT Business Adviser David Sharpe.
Business owners and sole traders may choose to discuss issues such as: strategic planning, finances, human resources, marketing and intellectual property among others.
This service is being offered to creative businesses in Newcastle on Thursday 5th May 2011.
Those who are unable to secure a session on 5th May can register for a CIIC Biztro session, a one on one business consultation, run on the last Friday of every month during 2011 in each capital city. Click here to find out more.
Event information
Date: Thursday 5th May 2011
Venue: Renew HQ, 3 Morgan St Newcastle NSW 2300
Directions: Renew HQ, in the old St Marks Catholic Church. Morgan St is just off the Hunter St Mall (closest to the Newcomen St end of the Mall). Just past the One Penny Black cafe.
How to book To register your interest please email: contact@creativeinnovation.net.au
Session times Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time of your session to ensure sessions do not over-run.
SESSION 1: 9.30 – 10.30AM | SESSION 2: 10.45 – 11.45AM | SESSION 3: 11.50 – 12.50 | SESSION 4: 2.00 – 3.00PM | SESSION 5: 3.15 – 4.15PM
About David Sharpe
David Sharpe has worked both as an arts manager and an adviser on finance and business issues for arts organisations, gaining experience at the Australia Council for the Arts and Film Illawarra.
He is also an active playwright, with a number of his plays having been produced by independent theatres in Sydney and Melbourne. David holds a Masters Degree in Arts Management (UTS), a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications (University of Wollongong) and a Graduate Certificate in Accounting & Financial Management (Charles Sturt).
