Over 100 artists from Newcastle and the Hunter region have been chosen to showcase their works in COLLECT. Now in its seventh year, COLLECT celebrates the wealth of regional talent while supporting fundraising efforts for Newcastle’s dynamic not-for-profit independent art space.

The works for sale in COLLECT 2024 are created by emerging artists, mid-career artists, as well as past and upcoming exhibitors at The Lock-Up including Alex Seton, Lottie Consalvo, Lucas Grogan, James Drinkwater, Braddon Snape, Michelle Gearin, Shan Turner-Carroll, and Locust Jones.

“COLLECT is a fantastic way [to] support The Lock-Up and our vibrant arts community. Newcastle and the Hunter produce really important artists and his exhibition is a key opportunity to present their work to local and national audiences.

“For some younger artists, this exhibition is the first time they have exhibited their work in a professional gallery setting. The Lock-Up is very proud to be able to help accelerate their careers. COLLECT also includes many established artists, who love The Lock-Up and are selling their work to help support the gallery,” The Lock-Up Director Warwick Heywood said.

This year, The Lock-Up has invited Isabel Whittle as COLLECT’s Young and Emerging Curator. Isabel is an emerging arts and cultural producer and has been a volunteer, as well as casual gallery and event assistant at The Lock-Up since 2021.

“I am really excited about curating COLLECT. It is a much-loved art exhibition on the regional calendar. Each year the community gets behind this exhibition, which is a celebration of talent. Part of the excitement is that you can purchase the works too as well as the annual COLLECT t-shirt which is always fun,” Isabel said.

The funds from all artwork purchases are split between The Lock-Up and the artist, ensuring the support of both the contemporary art space and the local artistic community. Works will be available via the gallery and the gallery’s online shop from opening night onwards.

This year, the exhibition will be accompanied by COLLECT: Focus  – a new program that highlights the work of two emerging artists in greater detail. For this, artists Brigitte Beyer and Nikola Jokanovic will present a body of work in one of the gallery spaces.  

Opening night offerings will include food by Kumache Kitchen, seltzers by Pals, non-alcoholic beers by Heaps Normal, and live music.

COLLECT at The Lock-Up

Where: 90 Hunter St, Newcastle
When: 13 Jul – 8 Sep
More Info: click here