Art and Culture in Newcastle: Galleries, Festivals and the Hunter Scene

Newcastle has built a genuine arts and culture reputation, driven by affordable space, a university arts community and a tradition of creative reinvention following the city's industrial transition. The Newcastle Art Gallery on Laman Street is the flagship public gallery with a significant permanent collection and a changing program of local and national exhibitions. The Carrington Arts Precinct in the inner suburb of Carrington has developed around converted heritage buildings into studio and gallery spaces. The This Is Not Art festival (TINA) held annually in Newcastle is one of Australia's most significant independent arts festivals, drawing creative practitioners from across the country. The Newcastle Writers Festival is a strong annual literary program. The Hunter Wetlands Centre and several heritage sites have interpretive cultural programs. Fort Scratchley Historic Site on the harbour headland has military history experiences with exceptional harbour views. Local music and independent theatre scenes are active; checking the Newcastle City Council events calendar for current programming is worthwhile.