The Show Room | Owens Collective

The Show Room | Owens Collective is an events and exhibition venue in Newcastle focused on connecting audiences with local artists. The website describes a space for hire that supports both emerging and established artists through exhibitions, events and opportunities to meet the people behind the work. Its exhibition programme has included painters, photographers, ceramicists, textile artists and other creatives.

The venue is tucked down a hidden laneway marked by a mural from local artist Georgia Hill, while its industrial setting reflects Newcastle’s past. That combination gives the space a distinct gallery atmosphere without suggesting a conventional white-walled exhibition experience. Visitors can explore exhibitions in person, and the venue also produces 360-degree virtual tours that allow artworks to be viewed online as a digital catalogue.

The Show Room’s event ideas extend beyond standard gallery visits. Artist education workshops are intended for artists and creative enthusiasts looking to build skills, knowledge and connections. Artist dinners pair a curated exhibition with food, wine, live music and an informal conversation with the featured artist. The artist market is designed as a boutique gathering where visitors can meet local painters, drawers, photographers, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists and textile artists, with the opportunity to buy directly from them.

It is best suited to exhibition organisers, artists seeking an event or display space, and Newcastle visitors who enjoy meeting creatives in a more participatory setting. The venue’s flat-fee, zero-commission approach may also appeal to artists planning an exhibition. The website lists the venue at 101 Maitland Road, Islington, and provides a contact number for event enquiries.