LEDA Gallery

LEDA Gallery is a contemporary art space in Cooks Hill, Newcastle, with a minimalist, refined setting designed for exhibitions, creative events and other functions. Its three interconnected spaces can be adapted for art and design exhibitions, cocktail parties, special events and photography or videography shoots, giving artists and organisers a flexible setting rather than a fixed gallery layout.

The exhibition programme focuses on contemporary practices and varied ways of working. The gallery’s listed exhibitions include Material Witness by Murray Gain, a body of mixed-media work examining memory, place and material through painting, printmaking, weathered street posters, eco-dyed fabrics and other layered surfaces. The site also features RUPTURE, curated by Xavier Lane and bringing together the practices of Xavier Lane, Raffi Butler and Lexie Worboys. The exhibition considers different perspectives on intimacy, popular culture, family, childhood and memory, with painting, sculpture, installation and performance informing the artists’ work.

LEDA also runs Drink & Draw life drawing sessions for both experienced artists and people who have never picked up a pencil. Classes are guided by experienced artists in a relaxed, judgement-free environment, with art materials and equipment supplied. The sessions are built around drawing the human figure and include themed events such as Greek mythology and botanical studies. The gallery says wine, beer, water and nibbles are provided, and it also offers private bookings for birthdays, hens parties, team-building activities, Christmas parties and gatherings with friends or loved ones. Participants are asked to respect the models’ privacy and not take or share photographs without permission.

A visit suits anyone interested in contemporary Australian art, from people dropping in to see a changing exhibition to participants looking for a supported introduction to life drawing. The space-hire option also makes LEDA relevant to artists, designers, photographers and event organisers seeking a clean, adaptable venue in Newcastle. Its programme and creative sessions offer different ways to engage with the gallery, whether you are viewing work, making it or planning an event.