Out for Summer 2024: The Largest Little Show in Newcastle
Newcastle’s Onwards Gallery has become a cornerstone of the city’s contemporary art scene, fostering a community where artists can experiment, grow, and share their work. Founded by Brett Piva, the gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions, and this summer, it brings back Out for Summer, a unique group show that celebrates small-scale works from a diverse range of artists.
I caught up with Brett to discuss the exhibition, the challenges and rewards of working on a small scale, and what makes this show special.
The Concept Behind Out for Summer
“The exhibition is called Out for Summer because it’s the largest little show in Newcastle,” Brett explains. “We don’t have the largest gallery space, so we set a size restriction for the artworks—this year, each piece had to be no larger than 300mm in height and width.”
This limitation encourages artists to rethink their approach. “We wanted to fit as many of our supporters, admired artists, and past exhibitors as possible,” Brett says. “By keeping the works small, we can showcase a huge variety of talent in a way that’s cohesive and exciting.”
Embracing Constraints
For some artists, working small is a challenge. “My own work is usually large,” I tell Brett. “It was difficult to scale down, but it made me reconsider my process, which was ultimately rewarding. Did other artists find it beneficial?”
“Absolutely,” Brett nods. “It pushed people out of their comfort zones. Some artists normally paint big, so adapting to a smaller format was tricky. Small doesn’t necessarily mean faster to make—sometimes the level of detail required makes it even more demanding. But it forced artists to recalibrate their practice, pricing, and overall approach.”
A Packed Opening Night
The response to Out for Summer has been overwhelmingly positive. “Opening night was packed,” Brett recalls. “Usually, our receptions run for about three hours, but this one went for over four. In the first two and a half hours alone, we had around 80 people coming and going. The energy was amazing.”
The exhibition features close to 100 works from around 100 artists, making it a true celebration of Newcastle’s creative community. “A lot of artists end up buying each other’s work or doing swaps, which is really special,” Brett adds.
The Onwards Gallery Community
Onwards Gallery has been operating in its current space for over six years, but its roots go back even further. “We started in a small garage about seven years ago,” Brett says. “Now, we have 13 resident artists working across various mediums—mostly painters, but also sculptors, photographers, and designers.”
The studio environment is carefully curated. “We get a lot of applicants, but we don’t just take anyone. We look for people who are dedicated to their practice and will contribute to the energy of the space. The culture here is amazing, but the work comes first.”
Out for Summer 2025
With its vibrant mix of styles, themes, and mediums, Out for Summer 2024 is a reminder that great things often come in small packages—and that Newcastle’s art scene is thriving.
The exhibition rans throughout summer at Onwards Gallery. For updates on featured artists and special events, visit Onwards Gallery’s website or follow them on social media.
As Brett puts it, “This show is all about bringing people together. It’s a celebration of art, community, and the possibilities that summer holds.”
“This show is all about bringing people together. It’s a celebration of art, community, and the possibilities that summer holds.”
