Creating Culture: Newcastle's Creative Voices in Conversation
Description
Join us for the 2026 Hunter Alumni Event, Creating Culture: Newcastle's Creative Voices in Conversation, bringing together a select panel of leading alumni voices across theatre, literature and visual arts.
Through a moderated discussion hosted by author and Newcastle Writers Festival Artistic Director Amy Lovat, the panel will reflect on their career journeys, share insights into the realities of creative work, and discuss the evolution of Newcastle's cultural identity and its influence both within the region and beyond.
Start your evening with exclusive access to the newly opened Angela Tiatia exhibition before settling in for the main event. Feel free to ask the panel your own questions in an audience Q&A before joining our relaxed alumni gathering where canapés and drinks will be served. Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, and The Hon Patricia Forsythe AM, Chancellor will also be there to welcome you.
Whether you graduated decades ago or you're one of our newest graduates, come along to catch up with friends, make new connections across industries and generations, and be a part of our thriving alumni community.
KEY DETAILS
Date: Wednesday 30 September
Time: 5:15-6:00pm (Exhibition), 6:15pm-7:30pm (Panel Discussion, Q&A), 7:30-8:30pm (Cocktail Reception)
Location: Newcastle Art Gallery, 1 Laman St, Cooks Hill, Newcastle
Cost: FREE for alumni and guests
RSVP: Essential by Wednesday 23 September
⭐ WHY ATTEND THE EVENT?
Enjoy exclusive access to the newly opened Angela Tiatia exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery
Hear inspiring stories from University of Newcastle alumni working across the creative industries
Gain fresh perspectives on Newcastle's evolving cultural identity and influence
Connect with fellow alumni, arts supporters and members of the local creative community
⭐ WHY STAY FOR THE GATHERING?
Catch up with old friends, or meet new ones
Tap back into the Uni community and access new ideas
Enjoy free food and drinks, and check out the beautiful Newcastle Art Gallery after its landmark expansion project last year
We look forward to seeing you there!
Lineup
Host: Amy Lovat
Dr Amy Lovat is an author, lecturer, and the artistic director of the Newcastle Writers Festival. She has a PhD in English and Writing from the University of Newcastle and lives on unceded Awabakal Country in NSW, Australia.
Panellist: Grant Cartwright
Grant Cartwright is a Newcastle-born arts leader, actor, director, writer and 2sLGBTQIA+ advocate based in New York City. A graduate of the University of Newcastle and the Victorian College of the Arts, he is the Producing Artistic Director of SPEAK UP! Festival and Shakespeare SlayFest, and has led major cultural events including NYC Pride’s PrideFest. With an international career spanning theatre, screen and arts leadership, Grant remains a powerful advocate for diverse representation and the global impact of Newcastle’s creative community.
Panellist: Braddon Snape
Braddon Snape is a Newcastle-based sculptor, curator and cultural producer whose work has shaped the Hunter’s creative landscape for more than 20 years. As Founding Director of Clyde St Arts, he helped transform a former industrial site into a thriving creative precinct supporting over 120 artists and makers. Through his artistic practice, teaching, and advocacy for artist-led spaces, Braddon continues to champion sustainable cultural development and a vibrant future for Newcastle’s creative industries.
Panellist: Shellie Smith
Shellie Smith is an Awabakal woman, designer, educator, researcher and practicing artist. A Lecturer in Architecture and Program Convenor of the Graduate Certificate in Designing with Country at the University of Newcastle, her work explores Indigenous design, cultural sovereignty and public art. Shellie also serves on Indigenous advisory panels, is a Director of the Awabakal Traditional Owners Descendants Corporation, and maintains an active creative practice informed by Awabakal cultural making and contemporary design.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
