The Creator Incubator

The Creator Incubator is a working arts hub in Hamilton, Newcastle, bringing together more than 55 resident artists, designers, makers and thinkers. Rather than being only a place to view finished work, it offers a chance to see the creative process in context: visitors can observe artists’ studios, explore exhibitions, speak with artists and take in the mix of practices under one roof. The hub was founded in 2017 by artist and director Braddon Snape and is focused on supporting artists’ development, livelihoods and connection with the wider Newcastle and Hunter arts community.

The venue’s two exhibition spaces give it a varied character. The Little Space is an intimate contemporary gallery in Newcastle’s inner west, used to present work by resident artists and available for exhibitions by emerging and established artists. Its controlled natural light, museum-quality track lighting and adaptable walls make it suitable for a broad range of small to medium exhibitions, including video, projection and installation work. The space can be changed for individual exhibitions, with artists able to paint the walls a different colour before returning them to white afterwards.

The Big Space provides a marked contrast, with a much larger footprint, high walls, industrial concrete flooring and an open ceiling with natural and artificial lighting. It is designed for large exhibitions, installations and artworks, and can also be hired for workshops, classes, projects and events. An accessible roller door adds to the space’s practical flexibility. Together, the galleries support different scales and approaches, from more intimate presentations through to expansive work that needs room to breathe.

The Creator Incubator suits visitors who want a closer connection to Newcastle’s contemporary arts scene, whether dropping in alone, visiting an exhibition with friends or attending an arts event. It also has a strong community focus through support for initiatives such as Arts in Recovery, which runs a monthly programme for people with lived experience of mental health. The venue encourages audiences to attend exhibitions and events, and to support local artists by buying work directly from them. Find it at Shed 15A, 50 Clyde Street, Hamilton North; access is via the driveway past Hertz, then straight ahead and left.