The Lock-Up

Located in one of Newcastle’s most significant heritage buildings, The Lock-Up is a multi-disciplinary contemporary arts space and inner city hub for creative thinking and doing.

Listed in the NSW Heritage Register, The Lock-Up was the Newcastle Police Station and lock up from 1861 until its closure in 1982. The building includes rare heritage listed cells, an event and installation space in what was the former exercise yard, a purpose built gallery space and an onsite apartment for artist residencies.

Through curated artistic and public programs, The Lock-Up’s aims to stimulate and challenge audiences and to promote current, cross platform, experimental and diverse practice from local, national and international artists.

The program includes contemporary art exhibitions, events, site-specific installation and performances, residencies, creative talks, workshops and a variety of activities designed to encourage the sharing of ideas and creative vision.

The Lock-Up’s nationally renowned Artist in Residence (AIR) Program provides onsite accommodation, a work environment and community engagement opportunities for contemporary artists working across a broad range of disciplines.