Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC yapang)

MAC yapang is an award-winning contemporary art space with a programme spanning exhibitions, sculpture, education and community-focused arts experiences. Its exhibition schedule brings together contemporary Australian artists, touring shows and works from the venue’s Visual Arts Collection. Recent and upcoming displays include Catherine McGuiness’s Night Blossom, with large-scale paintings and works on paper; Current Connections, featuring five artists’ interpretations of the Australian landscape; and These Are a Few of Our Favourite Things, selected by the MAC yapang team from a collection valued at $3 million. The programme also includes exhibitions exploring First Nations ceramics, regional art and sound-based work.

The MAC yapang Sculpture Park is a major part of the visit. Set across five hectares of leafy grounds, it presents works by local and national artists and has continued to expand since it was established in 1996. The grounds also include a Tree Trail, with information and activity resources available for visitors. Inside, Shop MAC sells handcrafted jewellery, glassware, ceramics, bags and textile accessories made by local and national makers. Gallery hire is also available, with the changing exhibitions creating a different setting for dinners, cocktail events, seminars, markets, tours and workshops.

There is a strong emphasis on access, learning and participation. School and home-school groups can book free guided tours led by an art museum educator, covering either the exhibitions or Sculpture Park, while self-guided resources are available for groups who prefer to explore independently. A creative workshop with Newcastle-based artist Brett Piva gives high school students a hands-on introduction to abstract art through mark-making, fluorescent colours and earthy palettes. For younger children and families, ARTSPACE@HOME provides online art activities for ages two to eight, using household and recycled materials.

MAC yapang also runs programmes designed for particular communities, including Art and Memory, a creative wellbeing experience for people living with dementia and their carers. Sessions combine an exhibition tour, discussion, slow-looking exercises and a guided art activity, with portable seating and accessibility support available. The venue describes step-free access, accessible amenities and parking, along with wheelchair and quiet seating options on request. With exhibitions to browse, outdoor sculpture to explore and activities for schools, families and community groups, it offers a considered art outing for Newcastle visitors as well as a venue for returning to across the programme.