Featuring nearly 100 artists from Newcastle and the Hunter, COLLECT is one of The Lock-Up’s most anticipated exhibitions of the year. This year was its sixth year showcasing the works of a diverse roster of local artists while also raising funds for the not-for-profit, independent art space The Lock-Up. 

COLLECT 2023 proudly presented works from an incredible range of Newcastle and Hunter-based emerging and mid-career artists, alongside works by nationally renowned artists including Michael Bell, Lottie Consalvo, Lucas Grogan, James Drinkwater, Izabela Pluta, and Peter Gardiner. 

“COLLECT is a fantastic way to not only support The Lock-Up but also our vibrant community of artists. For the first time, The Lock-Up held an open call out for artists to present in COLLECT, meaning we have an exciting and more diversified selection of emerging, mid-career and established artists,” says The Lock-Up Curator Holly Farrell.

"COLLECT has become the perfect platform for artists to connect with passionate collectors, while elevating young and emerging artist’s professional practice."

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 Hunter artistic community. Works are available for purchase via the gallery and the gallery’s online shop from opening night onwards. 

About The Lock-Up

Located in one of Newcastle’s most significant heritage buildings, The Lock-Up is a multidisciplinary contemporary arts space and inner-city hub for creative thinking and doing. The Lock-Up was the Newcastle Police Station and lock-up from 1861 until its closure in 1982. Today it stands as a purpose-built gallery space alongside rare heritage-listed cells, and includes an event and installation space in the former men’s exercise yard and an onsite apartment for its nationally renowned residency program.

Through its artistic and public programs, The Lock-Up aims to stimulate and challenge audiences and to promote the current cross-platform, experimental and diverse practices of local, national and international artists.

Header Image artwork Michael Bell, Susan Weaver and Aidan Gageler.