The University Gallery, Senta Taft Hendry Museum and Watt Space Gallery
The University Art Collection
The University Art Collection is a growing collection of over 3,600 individual works of art and culturally significant material. As a valuable resource for our region, this active collection support research and learning, promotes wellbeing and cultural inclusion, and contributes to the unique spaces and built environment of the University.
To protect the copyright of our artists and creators, the full collection database is available for view by request - please email artcollection@newcastle.edu.au. Highlights from the Collection can be accessed below.
For those interested in donating an item to the Collection, more information can be found here.
Blak Douglas, Tasmanian Woof(er), 2015. Image courtesy University of Newcastle
Mazie Turner, Out of Darkness - Violet Cloud, 2009. Image courtesy University of Newcastle
Margaret Olley, After The Rain Looking Towards Stockton, 1970. Image courtesy the University of Newcastle
Andrew Snelgar, (from L - R) Miru (Spearthrowers): Eagle and crow; Lore circles; Waa-wau (rainbow serpent), all 2015. Image courtesy of the University of Newcastle
Simon Munro (Anaiwan), River Mint and Egg Daisy by the Gwydir, 2021. Image courtesy of The University of Newcastle and Central Coast Local Area Health Art Collection
Artists in the Art Collection
Since its establishment over sixty years ago, the Art Collection has continually evolved to reflect the best of both regional and nationally significant creative practices. The Collection includes artists such as James Drinkwater, Margaret Preston, Nicole Chaffey, Braddon Snape, Judy Cassab, Charles Blackman, Janet Laurence and Lottie Consalvo.
In recent years the focus has been on the acquisition of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artwork and cultural objects. Over half of the Collection now consists of works by First Nations artists representing the breadth of Indigenous communities across Australia, including Kaylene Whiskey, Ms D Yunupingu, Minnie Pwerle, Blak Douglas, Nongirrna Marrawili and Jimmy Pike.
A complete list of artists whose work is currently held in the Collection can be found here.
Explore a selection of works in the Art Collection
Art Collection on campus
Alongside specially commission projects, a large portion of the artwork in the University Art Collection is on display throughout our campuses, in outdoor spaces, public areas, offices, and meeting rooms.
This not only ensures the Collection is easily accessible to our University community but also contributes to a unique sense of place.
Senior University staff can request pieces from the Art Collection to activate and enhance University spaces. This is subject to the availability of artworks and conservation guidelines.
Requesting an artwork
To request artwork for your space, or to relocate or identify existing work, please complete and return a Request for Artwork form.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.