The arts producer putting Lake Mac on the cultural map
It’s that time again when we take you behind the scenes with some of our favourite local faces to find out where they spend their mornings, what excites them about our region, and the little bits of gold they think you should know about.
In this SPILL, we’re catching up with Jasmine Kean, Arts Producer and Director of the Lake Arts Precinct – the creative force behind MAC yapang, MAP mima, and the Sculpture Park overlooking Lake Macquarie.
Jasmine Kean - Arts Producer and Director of MAC yapang, and MAP mima.
And while you’ll spot her around the precinct most days, Jasmine’s not new to this world - she studied Fine Arts at Sydney College of the Arts, opened her own artist-run space in Sydney, then fell hard for regional galleries and what they can do for communities.
Firstly, what and where would people across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie recognise you from?
I’m the Arts Producer here - which is a funny title - but essentially I direct the Lake Arts Precinct.
That includes MAC yapang, MAP mima across the lake, and our Sculpture Park. People have probably seen me on the front desk, wandering around the gardens mapping new lighting, or welcoming everyone at events with a microphone.
If you’ve been here recently, chances are you’ve seen my face somewhere.
What made you decide to make the move to Lake Macquarie?
I’m originally from Picton, south of Sydney. After having my daughter I moved back there, then when she was in late primary school I made the call to move north for a lifestyle change.
I wanted to be closer to the beach for my family, buy my own place, and live somewhere that wasn’t Sydney - but still had opportunity and culture.
I love music, art, food, and swimming… so this region really ticked every box. It’s quieter, easy to get around, and there are these little pockets of bush right next to the water - like private beaches you can swim at. It’s honestly glorious.
What’s your morning ritual?
Coffee first - currently decaf, but we’ll see how long that lasts.
Then I take my pug for a walk. I try to find my way to the water and see if I can spot fish jumping - it’s my favourite way to start the day. It has to be early, but walking the dog beside the lake each morning is a pretty beautiful thing.
Speaking of coffee and dogs, we hear MAC yapang and MAP mima are pooch-friendly?
They are - and we get lots of people bringing their pets.
Dogs aren’t allowed inside the exhibition spaces, but they’re welcome on the verandahs and outdoor areas. The Sculpture Park is on-leash, but it’s a great place to wander and hang out. We’ve also got pet parking at MAC, plus dog biscuits at the cafe.
Mr Bojangles - our coffee cart out the back – is basically designed with dogs in mind. And at MAP mima, they do homemade pet biscuits as well. There are also off-leash areas close by at both sites, which makes the whole precinct very popular with dog people.
Art, coffee, lake views… and dogs? It’s a strong combo.
Tell us about what you’re most excited about for 2026?
It’s a big one.
Awaba House is reopening with Chef Adam Ashton at the helm, with a strong focus on local produce. It’ll operate as a cafe through the week and restaurant on select days – and weddings and events in the near future. It’s such a beautiful site.
Exhibition-wise, we’ve got Salote Tawale’s The Tide Continues, developed through her Lake House residency, plus a major solo from Newcastle-based Lottie Consalvo later in the year.
It’s also the 30th anniversary of the Sculpture Park. We’re celebrating with new commissions, a loan from the National Gallery of Australia, and a few birthday moments across the site.
What are the three favourite things you love about working on the lake?
1. The stories - getting to know the local history and understanding how important this site has always been for gathering and community
2. Shifting the narrative - encouraging artists to proudly say they’re from Lake Macquarie, not just Newcastle.
3. The ambition - we’ve got an incredible curatorial team and growing national and international partnerships. For a regional centre, it punches well above its weight.
When out-of-town friends visit, where do you take them?
The galleries first - always, but that’s me showing off [laughs].
Exhibitions change every couple of months, so there’s always something new to see. Then it’s coffee, a wander through the Sculpture Park, and usually a picnic by the lake.
If we’re heading out for dinner and we want something pretty special, it’s 8 at Trinity.
On a daily basis what’s guaranteed to make you smile?
That first glimpse of the lake when I’m driving to work.
It changes every day - sometimes glassy and still, other times dark and moody. And then coming into work and seeing visitors genuinely engage with the art. Watching someone really spend time with a piece is pretty special.
We’re all about keeping it local here at HUNTERhunter - tell me THREE of your favourite local businesses…
Harry & Lola’s (Speers Point Park) - Great food, great spot, and it’s part of the MAP mima precinct… you can’t go wrong with that lakefront combo.
Mr Sister (Speers Point) - We go here a lot because our artist residency is just around the corner. The coffee is excellent, and they’ve got fun little touches - condiments, merch, hats… it’s a vibe.
Landcare at Booragul - With a seed library and local native plants, it’s such an incredible community resource that we go to for more greenery in our gardens.
Lucky last - who would you recommend we interview next for SPILL?
Adam Ashton, the chef taking over Awaba House.
He’s new to the region and he’s building relationships with local producers from scratch - learning the area through food, produce, and community. I think he’d be a really interesting one to talk to.
Photography credit: Daina McKay
