Newcastle Art Gallery Welcomes New Six Metre Sculpture by Local Artists

Newcastle’s art enthusiasts are in for a treat with the unveiling of a new six-metre-wide suspended sculpture set to grace the atrium of the revamped Newcastle Art Gallery. The sculpture, a collaboration between seventh-generation Novocastrian and Awabakal descendant Shellie Smith and artist Julie Squires, is the first of three major new works commissioned for the gallery’s expansion.

The artwork will feature 30 cast aluminium fish arranged in a spiralling school, inspired by Smith’s cherished memories of fishing with her grandmother in Port Stephens. The sculpture, visible from both the ground floor and first-floor corridor, will be crafted using Smith’s original fibre weaving as a base.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes expressed her excitement about the project, highlighting the involvement of local artists in creating a welcoming piece for the gallery. “It’s fitting that two of our prominent local artists will collaborate to create an inspiring entrance to the Newcastle Art Gallery,” Cr Nelmes said. “Visitors will have access to exhibitions from home and abroad, enhancing our cultural landscape.”

Smith drew inspiration for the sculpture from a rare Aboriginal artefact she encountered at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. The artefact, an intact possum skin cloak, features intricate patterns of fish, people, and water, etched into its surface. Smith noted, “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to tell a story that’s deeply personal to me and intrinsically linked to Newcastle.”

This project marks one of Smith’s first major commissions, a significant milestone in her career. She extended her gratitude to the Newcastle Art Gallery Society for their support and to the Awabakal descendants for their encouragement.

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman, emphasised the importance of Smith’s work in connecting to the land’s traditional owners. “As part of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, we are committed to recognising and celebrating the Awabakal and Worimi people’s culture and heritage,” Cr Richardson said. “Shellie’s work, using traditional First Nations weaving techniques, pays tribute to these rich traditions.”

City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group Chair, Councillor Carol Duncan, highlighted the gallery’s role in promoting local culture. “The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will enhance our city’s cultural reputation,” Cr Duncan said. “It will provide more opportunities in employment, education, and the economy, all while celebrating the arts and Aboriginal culture.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery Society is contributing $30,000 towards the project. Society President Prue Viggers OAM expressed pride in supporting the commission, which continues a 55-year tradition of aiding in the acquisition of works for the gallery’s collection.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM shared her enthusiasm for the gallery’s expansion, which will add 1,600 square meters of exhibition space. “The new space will allow us to showcase more of our $126 million collection and feature prominent touring exhibitions,” Director Morton said. “We look forward to announcing additional commissions for the expanded gallery soon.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government’s Regional Recovery Partnerships, $5 million from the New South Wales Government’s Regional Recovery Package, and $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, funded by the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and extensive community fundraising. An additional $1 million is currently being sought through a public fundraising campaign.