Activities to immerse you in the NCL arts scene

If you fancy immersing yourself in some culture and feeling creatively inspired, The Baltic is the first place you should visit. The Tate of the North East, overlooking the beautiful quayside, it always has contemporary and interesting exhibitions on. If you have a day of nothing and the sun is shining, it's the perfect day trip to get your creative juices flowing. Walk along the river and go see the five-star exhibition by Ali Cherri, displaying large-headed sculptures inspired by archaeological artefacts and the natural world. If painting is more your thing, the Lancaster sisters have a great exhibition displaying colourful, dream-like oil paintings. 

The Hatton Gallery, Newcastle University's Fine Art building's ongoing exhibit, showcases new and old artists and some Newcastle alumni. Some Kind of Love: Actions and Reactions to Living on a Damaged Planet is being presented from the 20th of September. The award-winning artist, Uta Kögelsberger, explores the relationship between humanity and nature. A great stop if you want to involve yourself in the university while visiting some inspiring artwork. 

The Star and Shadow is a great community-run creative spot. A cafe with books, a stage for local gigs, and a cinema room. If you fancy volunteering and learning about film, lighting, and putting on a show, this is a great place to get involved. 

Two other independent art galleries, The Biscuit Factory and Vane Gallery, also showcase artists worth a visit from the North East and beyond. For me, they have often been a good trip in search of creative inspiration. Overall, simply by walking around the city of Newcastle, I’m sure you will get inspired by one art scene or another.