Synergy: The 2026 NAS Mentorship Exhibition

Synergy Logo

The University Galleries at Callaghan are pleased to partner with Newcastle Art Space to present their 2026 Mentorship Program exhibition: Synergy.

The Newcastle Art Space Mentorship Program supports excellence in arts practice by connecting emerging Hunter Region artists with established, creative practitioners. Through informal, regular mentoring, cohort networking and professional development sessions,
the program fosters shared learning, experimentation and professional growth.

A distinctive feature of the program is its curatorial mentorship, which pairs an emerging curator with an experienced professional. This year’s mentorship curatorial team Jo O'Toole (mentor) and Melody Suranyi (mentee) have worked collaboratively with the mentorship cohort to develop Synergy and bring together the exhibition’s diverse practices.

Derived from the Greek word synergos, meaning “working together,” synergy reflects the idea that when people combine their talents, ideas and experiences, they can achieve far more together than they could alone.

Collaboration has been at the heart of this year’s mentorship journey, bringing creatives together through shared learning, support and creative exchange. The exhibition reflects the connections, conversations and discoveries made along the way. Emerging from this collaborative experience is an exhibition filled with energy, creativity and passion.

Please join us for the launch event of this exhibition at the University Gallery 6pm - 8pm Friday 4th September

^{IMAGE: Synergy Logo design by Melody Suranyi}

^{This exhibition was made possible through a partnership between Newcastle Art Space and  The University Galleries}

Event Information

• Date:  This exhibition opens Friday 4 September 2026 and runs until Saturday 14 November 2026
• Location: The University Gallery & Senta Taft Hendry Museum, GS Building, 103 University Dr, Callaghan, NSW 2308
• Campus: Newcastle (Callaghan)