Collect 2025 – The Lock Up

Collect 2025 took place at The Lock-Up, transforming the former police station and cells into a focused survey of contemporary Newcastle art. I felt genuinely grateful to have my work accepted for a second year, and see how many other artists contributed to this year’s exhibition; the range of work and the generosity behind it made the experience feel both grounded and energising. The show offered an accessible entry point for anyone interested in current artistic practice in Newcastle and the broader Hunter region.

The exhibition brought together a curated mix of established and emerging artists, presenting painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and installation-based works. Its strength lay in the diversity of approaches: some artists leaned into material experimentation, others explored narrative and place, and many used process-led methods that reflected the ongoing evolution of Newcastle’s creative landscape. The Lock-Up’s distinctive architecture shaped much of the viewing experience, with artworks installed in former cells and corridors, creating a compelling relationship between the site’s history and the contemporary pieces on display.

Collect continued to function as an important platform for visibility and connection within the Newcastle art community. It offered a clear snapshot of the region’s creative momentum, reinforced The Lock-Up’s role as a significant venue for contemporary art, and highlighted the depth and quality of independent practice taking place across the city. Collect 2025 reaffirmed how vital and active Newcastle’s arts scene has become.

“Collect 2025 reaffirmed how vital and active Newcastle’s arts scene has become.”