News
If you are interested in art and design and the spaces in between you should come along to the opening night of Look See - at 6pm on Thursday 1 April.
By Sophie Tyler
Look See will showcase a range of pieces that have been contributed from professional artists, designers and illustrators all over Australia. Works curated from an open submission are also included - most of these are from Newcastle artists, designers and photographers, so it will be great to see some of our local talent on show beside the work of some of the industry’s most successful designers, artists and illustrators.
By Jayden Osbourne
Look See exhibition runs from 1st - 30th April - join them on Facebook for updates on opening days and times.
Location: Suite 40, Level 1 Market Square (above the Food Court) Hunter St Mall, Newcastle.
The Look See organisers are Carl Morgan and Lara Schubert from Zookraft who will be popping up soon in a new Renew Newcastle studio space:
"The aim of Look Hear and Look See is to promote design culture in Newcastle by entertaining and informing people interested in art and design. Another function is to create a platform for developing artists and designers to get noticed for their skills.
Covering a broad range of themes and disciplines such as graphic design, illustration, art, photography, architecture and much more, the Look Hear and Look See events are for anyone interested in creativity."
Look Hear - free public design, art and architecture talks
The Look See exhibition follows the Look Hear series of talks which take place on Wednesday evenings in March - 5.30pm at Newcastle Region Art Gallery, Laman St.
The final week - Wednesday 31 March - features a presentation by stop-motion animator Jane Shadbolt and the talent behind Pop Frenzy Records Tour posters We Buy Your Kids
Keep up to date on Twitter and Flickr
CitySwitch welcomes you to a series of public lectures & installations by Japanese and Newcastle architects:
A previous project by CitySwitch participants
Free Public Lectures
Tuesday 23 February 2010, 8pm:
Satoru Yamashiro of Responsive Environment/Building Landscape (Tokyo) and Jin Hidaka of Slow Media/Responsive Environment (Tokyo).
Location: The Lockup, 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle.
Wednesday 24 February 2010, 8pm:
Kiyoshi Kametani of NAK Architects (Izumo), "Climate and my Architecture".
Location: Renew Newcastle HQ, 3 Morgan St Newcastle (in the old St Marks Catholic Church).
Thursday 26 February 2010, 8pm:
Young Architects' Speed Dating.
Mini lectures by emerging architects from Japan and Australia: Jun Inokuma, Kei Kaiho and many more! To participate, contact us.
Location: Renew Newcastle HQ, 3 Morgan St Newcastle (in the old St Marks Catholic Church).
Final Showing of Works
Saturday 27 February 2010
1.30pm: Public exposition of the 'Sticky Streets' installation pieces in the Hunter Street Mall.
Location: Shopfronts 109 Hunter St | cnr Wolfe & Hunter St | cnr Market & Hunter St
3pm:Public exposition of the 'Coal Tea Room' installation
Location: Shop 45, cnr Market & Hunter St
5pm: Formal presentations of outcomes from all 4 teams of the CitySwitch Newcastle 2010 Workshop and invited guests panel discussion
Location: Renew Newcastle HQ, 3 Morgan St Newcastle (in the old St Marks Catholic Church)
All welcome!
Renew Newcastle's city revitalisation activity over the last 12 months has gained local and international attention. The CitySwitch program were so interested in what was happening in Newcastle they decided to host their 2nd International workshop in Newcastle this year.
CitySwitch is an international exchange between Japan and Australia, where urban designers, architects and artists collaborate over 5 intense days, to collaborate on the creative activation of urban spaces.
The organisers are currently seeking more Newcastle artists, designers, architects, thinkers and urban interventionists to participate in the project next week:
// CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS: 2nd International CitySwitch Workshop, Newcastle 23-27 Feb 2010 //
CitySwitch Lab invites you to downtown Newcastle to collaborate with a team of architects, artists, and designers from across NSW and Japan for the 2nd international workshop on urban revitalisation.
... "We are working on the ground to create four catalytic interventions within downtown Newcastle"
... "Artists, architects, creators, and thinkers of the city are all invited to take part in the workshop"
The workshop includes the collaborative design and production of four different urban intervention projects, a series of international lectures, and a range of social events. The workshop culminates in a public show to exhibit, critique and celebrate the works on Saturday the 27th of February.
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More Details: http://cityswitchlab.org/newcastle
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International guest creators include: Satoru Yamashiro (Tokyo, Japan), Toshinori Esumi (Izumo, Japan), Jin Hidaka (Japan) and Jun Inokuma (Tokyo, Japan).
Workshop dates/times: http://cityswitchlab.org/newcastle/schedule.php
Workshop Locations: Hunter Street Mall, Newcastle & Renew Newcastle, 3 Morgan St, Newcastle.
Inquiries + Registration: Joanne.Jakovich[at]uts.edu.au
Workshop Fee: $50
Spaces limited, Register early.
The CitySwitch Newcastle 2010 project is supported by the Commonwealth through the Australia-Japan Foundation which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
CitySwitch Partners: Renew Newcastle, University of Technology Sydney
Renew Newcastle is currently calling for expressions of interest to be part of our ongoing city revitalisation program. Several large properties on Hunter St and King St have become available for the Renew Newcastle initiative.
These properties are large, recently refurbished, pristine, modern, office-type environments - so they will best suit studio and office spaces for Creative Professionals like Architects, Web/Graphic/Interior/Industrial Designers, Media Producers, Publishers or else no-mess artists like those working with text and digital media.
Its a perfect opportunity for emerging enterprises to step out of your sunroom and into the CBD, and join a network of local emerging creatives.
To Apply
To apply please read the full Call for Proposals and instructions on submitting your application on the Propose a Project page.
Deadline for applications is 5pm Monday 22 February 2010.
Previous Applicants
If you have already applied to Renew Newcastle with a proposal that matches these specific uses, please send an email to let us know that you are still interested and available to be involved. We will let you know if we need any more information from you. Email application[at]renewnewcastle.org
If you want to be part of Renew Newcastle don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
This Friday night from 6pm Loop Space and Totoro's Tea House are ringing in the new year with the opening of their first exhibitions.
Loop Space - 109 Hunter St Mall
Spystation NC1074 by Nicola Morton 4 – 28 February 2010.
An installation and workshop series investigating the act of surveillance – featuring monitors broadcasting images and videos collected from myth makers around the world, live video chats with informants, weather balloons floating in the air, missions hidden in stuffed toys, and workshops for visual, audio or linguistic spying.
Spystation NC1074 is exhibitive, interactive and interventive. It uncovers secret worlds, knowledge, thoughts and power for the community. But most of all it is a fun happening that everyone can be a part of.
Installation & Performances: Feb 4 – Feb 19 | Workshops: Feb 20 - Feb 25 | Workshop Exhibition: Feb 26 – Feb 28
To register your interest in the Spystation workshops, email info@loopoz.com or come along to the opening at Loop Space.
Totoro's Tea House - Shop 1, 111 Hunter St Mall
"Aloha! Tiki! Luau!" a Hawaiin theme - think summer, the beach, under-the-sea, hula, vacation, clambake, coconuts, cliche!!
4 - 28 Feb 2010.
While the beachside holiday vibe is still strong in the city this month, its the busiest time of year for some of the Renew Newcastle projects. This week ArtHive, Loop Space and Totoro's are installing their first exhibitions for 2010 and Emerald Arts has a full banquet of classes on offer for the summer break. See the 2010_holiday_classes program here.
FREE CLASS - For Young people aged 12-25 Emerald Arts has partnered with The Loft Youth Venue to offer FREE art classes this school holidays, as part of the Loft's school holiday activity program.
For bookings for the FREE class on Thursday 14 January contact The Loft 4974 2092
The Renew Newcastle projects are winding up for a little break over Christmas and New Year, so this is your last week to catch their latest exhibitions, with new shows opening in the New Year.
Arthive – Upstairs, 111 Hunter St Mall (entrance off Morgan St) -
Secret Santa – works on postcards by many many local artists. In the spirit of Christmas all works donated and will be swapped. Exhibition last day Sunday 20 Dec. Open Weds – Sun 12-5pm
Loop Space - 109 Hunter St Mall -
Play 109 is an interactive sound, video and graffiti installation involving a floor-to-ceiling 16 channel stringed instrument and live visual feed from Hunter St Mall, which you can play. By Damian Castaldi & Solange Kershaw (sodacake) in collaboration with Neil Jenkins and the Amerg Collective. Exhibition last day Thursday 24 Dec. Open Weds, Thurs this week 12-5pm
Totoro’s Tea House – 111 Hunter St Mall
Totoro Brothers' Travelling Circus: The Greatest Show on Earth! – circus-themed works by Rebecca Murphy, Neil Tomkins, Jessica Klingelfuss, Trine Deans, David Hamption, Grant Hunter, Licky the Cream, and Licky the (Fox) (collaboration), as well as clothing, all for sale. Exhibition last day Wednesday 20 Jan. Open Wednesday, Thursday this week 10am – 5pm
Totoro's Travelling Circus Tea House
First exhibitions for 2010
Loop Space - 109 Hunter St Mall
4 – 28 February 2010. Spystation NC1074 by Nicola Morton
An installation and workshop series investigating the act of surveillance – featuring monitors broadcasting images and videos collected from myth makers around the world, live video chats with informants, weather balloons floating in the air, missions hidden in stuffed toys, and workshops for visual, audio or linguistic spying.
Spystation NC1074 is exhibitive, interactive and interventive. It uncovers secret worlds, knowledge, thoughts and power for the community. But most of all it is a fun happening that everyone can be a part of.
Totoro's Tea House - Shop 1, 111 Hunter St Mall
Current exhibition, "Totoro Brothers' Travelling Circus: The Greatest Show on Earth!" will stay up until 20 January 2010.
22 Jan - 28 Feb 2010. "Aloha tiki luau!" will have a Hawaiin theme (think summer, the beach, under-the-sea, hula, vacation, clambake, coconuts, cliche!!). Totoro's are seeking artists for the show, so if anyone is interested in submitting art they should contact us at: totoro.teahouse@gmail.com
We have received lots of positive feedback and excitement about the Red Lantern Night Market held last Friday night. Don't miss the market over the next 2 Fridays - 11th and 18th.
If you had wandered down to the Mall last Friday after 4pm you would have seen the Mall changed in character, as around 60 stallholders tucked into booths under the whalebones and set up colourful marquees. There was music, drumming, Livesites provided street performers and hula-hooping children overtook the street.
In recognition of how popular the market was, the Newcastle City Council car park on King/Thorn/Laing St will be open on those market days until 10.30pm - with FREE parking if you arrive after 4pm and leave after 7pm.
What's on Fri 11 Dec
Adding to the festivities in the Mall area this week is Loaded an all ages gig at The Loft Youth Venue. Its their end of year show, filling 3 rooms with hardcore - punk - metal - rock - alternative - hip hop - dance - acoustic - blues n roots.
LINE-UP INCLUDES - Missouri Breaks (Melb) - The Vaine (Syd) - There Goes the City - At War with Gods (Melb) - Alice Vs. Everything - Code Red DJ’s - Ange Murphy - Joshwa Leigh - Elisa Kate - Soul Purpose - Laird & Lomas - + MANY MORE!
From 5.30pm-10pm @ The Loft 7a Wolfe St.
And Momentum Project, a collaborative design installation, is staying open an extra week - it will be open every day with an official last night on Friday.
From 6.00 - 9.00pm Upstairs in Market Square.
More Photos Red Lantern Night Market - Fri 4 Dec
Ciao Meow and their bellydancers
Totoro's Travelling Tea House Circus.
Mark from Vox Cyclops had a stall.
David and Trine from The Hive Studios had a stall.
Nick from Upcycling had a stall at the Market, with Erin.
Comrade Damian took Marni on the rickshaw.
L!vesites sculpture installation was illuminated.
See the Newcastle Herald coverage of the Red Lantern Night Market.
On the First Friday of the month in December (Friday 4th) the Renew Newcastle art and creative projects will host a collection of special events in the early evening 5 – 8pm. It’s a chance to meet the artists and see them at work, as well as experience the inner city in a different way after dark. You're invited to explore!
New Projects
Momentum Project is a collaborative visual project which is growing daily, developed by Design students from University of Newcastle and TAFE. Drop in anytime to see how it is developing, or join them for their Closing Party 5pm-8pm, Suite 40, 1st Floor Market Square (Up the escalator & follow the signs).
Red Lantern Night Market is a visual feast and festive playground for emerging artists showcasing their wares – perfect for unique and handmade Christmas gift shopping. From 4pm-9pm, each Friday night in December (4th, 11th, 18th ) the Whalebones in the East end of the Hunter St Mall will come alive with Market Stalls, Food and Live entertainment. From the people who brought you the Olive Tree Markets at the Junction.
Makespace moved out of their Renew Newcastle shopfront last month but we have found them a new Renew Newcastle home! Join them for their Opening Night Party in a new shop, 5pm-8pm at 19 Wolfe St (just off the Hunter St Mall, opposite David Jones)
The Hive Studios has three new artists sharing a studio space - David Hampton, Trine Deans and Rebecca Holmes. To celebrate their arrival, they are having a stall at the Red Lantern Night Market - Bec will selling paintings, while Trine and David have turned their hands to badge and brooch making. David has been drawing boats, trains and time machines, covering the results in shellac (water and hug proofing them) and attaching pins to the back. Trine has been hand-printing silk-screens of famous artists she has drawn onto plywood. Meet the artists, buy their work - until 9pm, in the Red Lantern Night Market stall area.
L!vesites Illuminated Sculptures are being made in a series of FREE workshops on Saturdays in November, under the direction of sculptor Ken O’Reagan. Join the artist and workshop participants for a grand illumination at 7.30pm, Shop 45 Hunter St Mall (opposite Sportsgirl)
If you would like to take your own walking tour of the new Renew Newcastle projects, you can download the new map here - or look for it in the window of any of the Renew Newcastle shopfronts.
New Exhibitions
Loop Space new exhibition opening night - Play 109 is an interactive sound, video and graffiti installation involving a floor-to-ceiling 16 channel stringed instrument and live visual feed from Hunter St Mall, which you can play. By Damian Castaldi & Solange Kershaw (sodacake) in collaboration with Neil Jenkins and the Amerg Collective. From 5pm, 109 Hunter St Mall
Totoro’s Tea House invite you to join their Circus with a new exhibition and live “acrobatic” entertainment performance. O, and Tea! Until 8pm, Shop 1, 111 Hunter St Mall
Arthive new exhibition sneak preview – Secret Santa involves a lucky-dip of small works by local artists, friends and makers. In the spirit of Christmas no money will change hands. With live experimental music collaboration. Until 8pm, Upstairs, 111 Hunter St (entrance off Morgan St)
Special Offers
Bird in the Hand Zine Shop will be hosting its first Letter Writing Club – all invited for tea and biscuits and a chance to take some old-fashioned letter writing time. At 6pm , 101a King St
Mad Hatter Millinery are hosting a demonstration to Make Your Own Fascinator – even if you aren’t a ‘hat person’ or aren’t going to the races you’ll have a perfect festive outfit for all the Christmas parties coming up! Workshop from 5.30pm - 6.30pm at Shop 18-19 Market Square Terrace Level
Shannon Hartigan Images & Framing will have a 20% Off everything Christmas Sale between 5pm-8pm at Shop 21 Market Square Terrace Level
Emerald Arts will hold a workshop on making your own watercolour dyed wrapping paper as well as a Pass the Parcel lucky dip. From 6.30pm, Shop 2 196 Hunter St Mall
Ciao Meow Gallery are staying open late for unique Christmas gift shopping, showing off some of their new ranges for summer: hand made Chrissie cards; elegant light cotton kaftans; and a range of mens t-shirts and photographs by Matt Streatfield. And, at 6pm they've organised The Dance Of Life women to gift a beautiful bellydance performance. Until 9pm, Shop 2, 111 Hunter St Mall.
Vox Cyclops is an independent record store and gallery 515 Hunter St. They are making a special guest appearance in the Mall area especially for the Market and First Friday - so if you are curious about what they do but have never made it up to Newcastle West to visit the shop, here's your chance. Until 9pm, in the Red Lantern Night Market stall area.
Special News
Alex from Surfhouse Photography moved out of her Renew Newcastle shopfront in October, but has now taken a commercial lease and is opening up a new shop just down the road. Congratulations Alex! Join Alex for her Opening Party from 5.30pm in her new premises at 61 Hunter St (btwn Bolton & Watt Sts, opposite The Lock-Up)
Partners
Our friends at L!vesites will be on location with some street performers to spice up the evening and offer up early Christmas presents in the unveiling of a light and sound installation near Wolfe St.
There'll be so much festive cheer, you won't know what to do with yourself!
We are so happy to find out that one of the recent Renew Newcastle projects - Surfhouse Photography - has a new shop opening at 61 Hunter St in December.
Surfhouse Photography shopfront in Hunter St Mall
From April to October this year the Surfhouse Photography shop in the Hunter St Mall was an oasis of photographs, prints and vintage surfboards all dedicated to the love of surfing and beach culture. The shop was conceived and managed by 21 year old photographer Alex Thompson.
Alex vacated her Renew Newcastle shopfront in October after the property owner secured a commercial tenant for the property. We were sad to see Surfhouse Photography moved on as it was such a great example of how a local artists might take advantage of some cheap space. But it is a real success to have attracted commercial retailers back into the Mall.
Since moving out of her shop Alex used the time off to complete a full time business development training course and now has further support for her business from the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).
Even better, Alex has now secured a permanent shopfront with a commercial lease. The property owner is reported to have taken a chance on Alex due to her track record under the Renew Newcastle initiative - Congratulations Alex.
Located at 61 Hunter St Newcastle (between Bolton and Watt Streets, opposite The Lock-Up), the new Surfhouse Photography shop is a little closer to Newcastle Beach, which suits Alex perfectly!
The Grand opening is on Friday 4 December 2009 - join the Surfhouse crew for celebratory drinks and music from 5.30pm.
Show your support for this young local artist in her new venture by stopping into her new shop to say hello (and pick up some souvenirs of Newcastle surf culture while you are there!).
The final week - Wednesday 31 March - features a presentation by stop-motion animator Jane Shadbolt and the talent behind Pop Frenzy Records Tour posters We Buy Your Kids
