Discover Newcastle's Independent Art Galleries

Newcastle's art scene is absolutely bursting with creativity, with hundreds of talented makers and creators calling this colourful, coastal city home.

Indulge your inner creative and explore the wealth of cool, eclectic independent galleries scattered across the city and suburbs. Follow the Independent Galleries Map for a self-guided tour, or work your way through our list below - there's so much to see, you'll just have to keep coming back until you've hit them all!

Download Map

The Creator Incubator - A lively creative hub housing 38 resident artists, designers, makers and thinkers, from emerging to those of national reputation, The Creator Incubator is a must for your artistic journey through Newcastle. Check out The Little and The Big gallery spaces, observe the artists' studios and have a chat with the artists themselves.

Newcastle Art Space - A vital contributor to Newcastle's rich arts and culture scene, Newcastle Art Space has been showcasing and fostering the artistic community in Newcastle for more than 30 years. Explore their artist-run gallery and immerse yourself in the exhibitions on display.

Onwards Gallery - Onwards Gallery and Studios cater to a world of incredible possibilities through frequent exhibitions, performances, creative talks and more. Showcasing everything from painters to sculptors, ceramicists, writers, collage artists, photographers, video artists, musicians and more, you'll find Onwards an engaging and memorable experience.

Straitjacket - Run by artists Dino Consalvo and Ahn Wells, Straitjacket is an art partnership presenting curated solo, group and represented artist exhibitions.  With a goal to produce exhibitions for audiences that challenge, explore and investigate contemporary ideas and concepts, Straitjacket are all about creativity and getting out of your comfort zone.

Newcastle Printmakers Workshop - Exhibitions, events, workshops … there's always something happening at Newcastle Printmakers! Discover new printmaking techniques in a variety of media through weekend workshops and weekly classes.

The Owens Collective - With a Show Room inspired by Newcastle's industrial past, The Owens Collective has created an exclusive event and exhibition venue. Explore in person, or take a virtual 360 tour online.

Jack Jack - Jack jack is a space for celebrating the creations of humanity – it exists purely to evoke inspiration. Born through a desire to reconnect with oneself and the community through art and creativity, Jack jack makes way for collaboration, thought-provoking conversation and deep connection.

Art Systems Wickham - Art Systems Wickham is an inviting exhibition space available to artists, curators and community arts groups. Check them out on Annie Street in Wickham.

Leda Gallery - There's always something new and exciting to discover at this white-cube contemporary gallery, with a wide range of exhibitions commencing on a fortnightly basis. Leda Gallery specialises in unique artists from across Australia and internationally, plus, you can embark on your own creative journey in one of their specialised life drawing experiences in their 'Drink & Draw' sessions.

Wester Gallery - Founded in 2022 by Newcastle artist Justin Lees, Wester Gallery has become a vital contributor to the rich cultural life of Newcastle and the Hunter. The gallery comprises of one large gallery space, a Stockroom, and upstairs creative studio housing some of Newcastle's leading creatives, and they oversee a dynamic schedule of regular exhibition openings, events and private functions.

Playstate Curate - The home of Newcastle's avant-garde, Playstate Curate is a new-age contemporary gallery, offering a hub for local Newcastle artists to create, express and connect through their works. Visit their space to create, share, learn and experience through artistic exhibitions, regular workshops and other events.

CStudios - CStudios is a light-filled gallery exhibiting fine and contemporary art across the genres. Find this gem on Hunter Street in the heart of the city.

Blackstone Gallery - An independently run gallery with rotating exhibitions, workshops and a thumping arts community, Blackstone Gallery is well worth adding to your Newcastle itinerary.

Back to Back Galleries - Run by Newcastle Studio Potters Inc., Back to Back Galleries operate out of a former butcher shop restored as a busy art space in Cooks Hill, with a focus on the field of ceramics. The two galleries were opened in 1992 and have been an important part of Newcastle's art scene for over 27 years.

Mitch Revs Gallery - Known for his signature colourful cartoon style, local Newy artist Mitch Revs has a simple checklist when it comes to creating art: Does it make people smile? Does it make people happy? 

Mitch Revs Gallery channels this concept with art on display from likeminded makers and creators, as well as a collection of creative workshops to partake in, from Decked Out sessions where you can design and paint your very own skate deck, to Pinot & Picasso where you can create your own work of art while sipping on your beverage of choice.

Gallery Qube - Studio Qube & Masters Photography showcases the work of Peter Masters, a photographer based on the east coast of Australia. Peter has been exhibiting and selling his work for over 30 years and has had numerous successful exhibitions. His work is represented by several galleries in the Newcastle region.

Make Space - Representing makers from Newcastle and surrounding areas, Make Space is a treat for the senses – everywhere you look is the mark of the artist and everything for sale is either a one-off or a limited production line. The Make Spacers also hold workshops, host visiting artists and special events. If a visit puts a little bit of inspiration in your day, they’re happy. 

Timeless Textiles - Timeless Textiles nurture the creative development of artists and artisans, building audiences and promoting the beauty, wonder and collectability of fibre arts. Their engaging program of exhibitions and events includes artist talks and networking opportunities with artisans, curators, collectors and collaborators. It's no wonder they have a growing reputation as a key national centre for fibre arts!

The Lock-Up - Located in one of Newcastle’s most significant heritage buildings, The Lock-Up is an 1800s police station reimagined as a contemporary art space. The building includes a purpose-built gallery space, rare heritage listed cells, an event and installation space in what was the former exercise yard, and an onsite apartment for multi-disciplinary residencies.

You won't want to miss this one!