New England Regional Art Museum

Opening Weekend: Experimenta Emergence
2026-03-28 15:00 - 2026-03-29 17:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Join us for the opening weekend of Experimenta Emergence: National Tour of Media Arts!
Experimenta Emergence presents the work of contemporary artists who explore emerging societal and environmental changes and offer other perspectives, imagined possibilities and directions.
At a time when the unknown and maybe the unknowable is building like a wave, these artists encourage us to question our shifting realities. What are the forces shaping our worlds? How might we encounter, counter or adapt to the transformations of the human and more-than-human world we are part of? Can we alter current trajectories?
The art works these Australian and international artists have created – virtual realities, participatory works, and speculative fictions – will provoke you to ask questions about where we, individually and collectively, are going … and where we might want to go.

Curator: Lubi Thomas
Curatorial Advisor: Jody Haines
Artists: Leah Barclay | Ina Conradi & Mark Chavez | Sophie Dumaresq | Kate Geck | Amrita Hepi | Katrin Hochschuh & Adam Donovan | Ben Joseph Andrews & Emma Roberts | Daniel McKewen | Hayley Millar Baker | Jonny Scholes | Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm | Wang & Söderström | Liam Young

OPENING WEEKEND PROGRAM:
SATURDAY 28 MARCH
3pm-4:30pm: Curator’s Talk & Tour with AUSLAN Interpreter
SUNDAY 29 MARCH
11am: Moirai, Thread of Life Multi-Sensory Haptic Vest Experience
1pm: Gondwana Virtual Reality Experience

Experimenta Emergence: Curator's Talk & Tour
2026-03-28 15:00 - 16:30
Experimenta Emergence intertwines the work of contemporary artists who critically examine our changing world to reveal ways humanity might confront and adapt to emerging challenges now and in the near future.
At a time when the unknown and maybe the unknowable is building like a wave, these artists encourage us to question our shifting realities. What are the forces shaping our worlds? How might we encounter, counter or adapt to the transformations of the human and more-than-human world we are part of? Can we alter current trajectories?
The art works these Australian and international artists have created – virtual realities, participatory works, and speculative fictions – will provoke you to ask questions about where we, individually and collectively, are going … and where we might want to go.
This tour is hosted by the exhibition curator, Lubi Thomas, providing a unique guided insight into the exhibition, delving into the artists’ works, practice and the exhibitions’ themes.

Experimenta Emergence: National Tour of Media Arts
2026-03-28 10:00 - 2026-05-17 16:00
Experimenta Emergence presents the work of contemporary artists who explore emerging societal and environmental changes and offer other perspectives, imagined possibilities and directions.
At a time when the unknown and maybe the unknowable is building like a wave, these artists encourage us to question our shifting realities. What are the forces shaping our worlds? How might we encounter, counter or adapt to the transformations of the human and more-than-human world we are part of? Can we alter current trajectories?
The art works these Australian and international artists have created – virtual realities, participatory works, and speculative fictions – will provoke you to ask questions about where we, individually and collectively, are going … and where we might want to go.

Curator: Lubi Thomas
Curatorial Advisor: Jody Haines

ARTISTS
Leah Barclay | Ina Conradi & Mark Chavez | Sophie Dumaresq | Kate Geck | Amrita Hepi | Katrin Hochschuh & Adam Donovan | Ben Joseph Andrews & Emma Roberts | Daniel McKewen | Hayley Millar Baker | Jonny Scholes | Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm | Wang & Söderström | Liam Young

Print workshop with BGP
2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00
The Black Gully Printmakers (BGP) will host a special workshop in the Museum of Printing to coincide with the collaborative exhibition Across the Ditch
Experience a hands-on afternoon working into a partially made print and bring it to completion with your own flair. Select from a variety of pre-printed works featuring stereotype advertising blocks, letterpress forms or artist plates, then bring the artwork together using relief printing, stencils or monotype techniques. Participants will be guided through printing processes and all materials are included.
Join us for a playful and accessible session, to experiment with existing imagery while gaining insight into some printmaking methods featured in the exhibition.
DATE | Saturday 28 March
TIME | 10am – 12pm
VENUE | Packsaddle studio NERAM
COST | Members price $69 General price $75
This is a workshop for adults. Participants need to wear closed shoes and bring an apron to protect clothes.
Minimum of 8 people is required for this workshop to go ahead.

Term 1 2026 | Studio Art Group
2026-03-26 10:00, 2026-03-19 10:00, 2026-03-12 10:00
A weekly, self-directed, painting and drawing group for experienced artists. Meeting once a week in Packsaddle Studio (located at the rear of the NERAM building) this is an opportunity to come work alongside other experienced artists, network, learn and be inspired. This class does not have a regular tutor but each week, the session finishes with a group critique to review the day’s efforts and give and receive feedback.
Dates | Thursday 29 January – 2 April (10 weeks)
Time | 10am – 3pm
Venue | Packsaddle Studio, located at the back of NERAM. External access only.
Cost | $130
Materials | BYO
Min 8/Max 19

For more information please email foh@neram.dev.nucleoserver.com

Terms and Conditions

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking
A minimum number of 8 students required for classes to proceed, please book and pay to ensure classes go ahead.
Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund.
If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount.
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential.
Student contact details may be passed on to facilitators for communication purposes.

Term 1 NERAM Kids – Wednesday After School Art
2026-03-25 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-03-18 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-03-11 16:00 - 17:15
This term Kate from Three Pees Creations will lead this class – Impressions of Pastels
Over eight weeks we will explore the world of graphite, soft pastel and oil pastels in-line with the Hinton Exhibition Of Brushes and Light. Alongside excursions to the gallery, we will gather inspiration and experiment with various techniques to create mesmerising landscapes. From concept design to varnish, your kids will create and learn many different ways of art-making. This program finishes with a mini-exhibition of all the student works over the eight week period.
Suitable for children aged 10 years and over

Date | Wednesday 11 February – Wednesday 1 April 2026 (8 weeks)
Time | 4pm – 5:15pm
Venue | Packsaddle Studio, located at the back of NERAM. External access only.
Cost | Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Members – $240, General – $260
Ages | 10 years +
Materials | A4 Visual Arts Diary is recommended – If you have one already bring that along (all other materials will be provided)
Min 8/Max 12
We accept NSW Creative Kids vouchers at NERAM, please phone 67725255 between Monday – Friday, to make bookings using a voucher.
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Terms and Conditions

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking
A minimum number of 8 students required for classes to proceed, please book before 9am Monday 9 February 2026
Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund
If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential
Student contact details may be passed on to facilitators for communication purposes

Term 1 2026 | ART PLAY 0-6yrs
2026-03-25 10:30, 2026-03-18 10:30, 2026-03-11 10:30
Bring your babies, toddlers and/or preschoolers into NERAM on Wednesday mornings for a session of sensory play where we explore colour, shape and texture. Our Art Play facilitator, will bring a different activity for each session which is great for children, parents and care givers. There are art based activities that are designed for both ends of the 0-6 age bracket so everyone is entertained and learning.
A good idea to dress your child or baby in an outfit that can afford to get a little messy; if you have any allergy concerns, please contact NERAM in advance.
DATES | Wednesdays, February 11 – March 25
TIMES | 10.30am – 11.15am
Bookings remain essential. Price for whole term $26 – $24 (Member price) Single sessions $4.50 each are subject to availability.*
*If you wish to attend a single session and avoid disappointment, please contact NERAM on 6772 5255 to check availability. If you cannot attend a session but have booked for the term, please call NERAM so someone else can attend.
This program is funded by ArtsNational Armidale.

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking.
Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund.
Classes run on minimum number. If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount.

Term 1 2026 | Wednesday Art Class with Kerry Gulliver
2026-03-25 10:00, 2026-03-18 10:00, 2026-03-11 10:00
Enjoy the stimulus of doing art in a group.
While individual guidance comprises the main bulk of the class, I will also be doing regular demonstrations on anything related to painting and drawing, such as collage, paint transfer, frottage, sgraffito, dry brushing, stencilling, and more. If you are new to art I can help you get started on the basics, such as looking at line, colour, perspective.
You are welcome to join the class no matter what your skill levels are. If you are unsure of the how to begin, just turn up on the first day and I can help determine the best approach for you.
The class is quite casual, with many of the ongoing students working on their own projects, taking guidance as needed.
Kerry Gulliver is a skilled artist and educator who has exhibited regularly in Armidale, Sydney, and Tamworth. She has trained in visual arts, animation, colour theory, and graphic design; she works regularly with community and other groups to run a range of art courses.
Dates | Wednesday January 28 – Wednesday April 1 (10 weeks)

Time | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Venue | Packsaddle Studio (located at the rear of NERAM )
Cost | Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Members – $329, General – $362
Materials | BYO – please see below for a list of recommended supplies
Min 10/Max 18

For more information please email foh@neram.dev.nucleoserver.com
Image | Courtesy of Kerry Gulliver

Materials required for class:

Bring any reference material that inspires you, whether photographic, or of other artwork. It’s a good way to get started. I have on display art books for referencing also. If you like to draw bring Cartridge paper (A3 or A4 size), pencils in a range of hardness (but more in the soft range), rubbers, crayons, coloured pencils and any other materials that you like to work with.
For painting, acrylic paint is the most practical (some people are using oils or watercolours). You will also need brushes, canvas or paper. Heavier papers are better to paint on, such as 180gsm or higher. I like the medium or rough textured paper. Cheaper paper is OK for experimentation.
Terms and Conditions

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking
A minimum number of 10 students required for classes to proceed, please book and pay by Thursday 22nd January to ensure classes go ahead
Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund
If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential
Student contact details may be passed on to facilitators for communication purposes

Term 1 | NERAM Kids - Monday After School Art (ages 6-9yrs)
2026-03-23 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-03-16 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-03-09 16:00 - 17:15
NERAM Kids: After School Art program for 6 – 9 year olds.
Join us for a 8-week art adventure at Packsaddle Studio! Children aged 6–9 will explore painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, and clay in a fun and supportive environment. The program finishes with a mini-exhibition where each child proudly presents their work. Spots are limited, so book early!
Visits to the gallery will also be included. As will be using messy materials in some classes, please ensure kids have an apron, or wear clothes that can afford to get a little paint on them. We also recommend a water bottle. All kids must be picked up after class at the Packsaddle Studio Door as their safety is our priority.
Date | Monday 9 February – Monday 30 March 2026 (8 weeks)
Time | 4pm – 5:15pm
Venue | Packsaddle Studio, located at the back of NERAM. External access only
Cost | Friends of NERAM/Culture Club Members – $240, General – $262
Ages | 6-9 years (children 5 years old attending school can join)
Materials | All materials will be provided
Min 8/Max 12
We accept NSW Creative Kids vouchers at NERAM, please phone 67725255 between Monday – Friday to make bookings using a voucher.

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Terms and Conditions

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking
A minimum number of 8 students required for classes to proceed, please book and pay before 9am Friday 6th February 2026 to ensure classes go ahead
Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund
If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential
Student contact details may be passed on to facilitators for communication purposes

Skywhales Across Australia: Artist Talk with Patricia Piccinini
2026-03-21 13:30 - 14:30
Join us for a rare opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Patricia Piccinini.

For over 25 years Patricia Piccinini has interrogated the complex relationship between our natural and artificial worlds, beginning each creative project with a speculative question, a wondrous ‘What if…?’.

Known internationally for her astonishing hyperrealism, Piccinini’s practice comprises drawing, photography, video, mixed-media painted compositions, large-scale installation, and includes the now iconic hot-air balloon Skywhales sculptures.

Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event, supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program.
Skywhales is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.

Every Heart Sings Book Reading by Patricia Piccinini
2026-03-21 11:00 - 12:00
Join Skywhales Across Australia artist, Patricia Piccinini for a reading of her new book Every Heart Sings.
Every Heart Sings follows the journey of the skywhale family and talks about nature, family, evolution, care and wonder. Published by the National Gallery of Australia, it is Patricia Piccinini’s first children’s book.
The reading is most suited to children aged 4 – 7 years and their families.
Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event, supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program.
Skywhales is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.

Skywhales Across Australia: Patricia Piccinini
2026-03-21 05:30 - 07:00
Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhalepapa is a monumental sculpture in the form of a hot-air balloon. Together with its companion piece Skywhale they form a skywhale family.
Following their debut over Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra 2021, the floating pair will continue to take to skies across Australia as a National Gallery touring event in 2026.
Piccinini believes Skywhales Across Australia is not only two spectacular sculptures but a performance piece:

“I imagine visitors assembling to watch Skywhalepapa coming to life, with a single skywhale figure we have a character, but with the two we have a relationship, and a narrative.” says Piccinini.
As the skywhales float across the dawn skies, Piccinini calls on communities to engage with them creatively. Make a morning of it, prepare a picnic, watch in awe, and sing along in wonder as the skywhale family takes flight.

See the skywhales in Armidale as part of the Autumn Festival on the 21st of March from 5:30am at Rologas Sporting Fields and floating over the CBD as the sun rises.

Patricia Piccinini will then join us at the New England Regional Art Museum for the following events:
11am-12pm: Every Heart Sings Book Reading
1:30pm-2:30pm: Artist Talk with Patricia Piccinini
Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event, supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program.
Skywhales is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.

Tinted: Janna Hayes and Phoebe Hillard
2026-03-20 18:00 - 2026-04-26 18:00
This exhibition brings together two distinct artistic practices exploring how perspective shapes experience. Through contrasting approaches to colour, form, and process, Hayes and Hillard examine the ways meaning is shaped by the narratives we create and the way in which we express it.
Image: Phoebe Hillard, Still in the moment, 2026. pastel on paper

Tinted Catalogue – Janna Hayes and Phoebe Hillard

Across the Ditch (and back again)
2026-03-20 18:00 - 2026-04-26 16:00
A collaborative printmaking project challenging participants to embrace experimentation and freedom in printmaking. Members of the Black Gully Printmakers (Armidale) and Te Kowhai Print Trust (Whangarei, New Zealand) have provided a print to a member of the other collective who then responds to the original artist’s imagery and approach. Each participant is relieved from conceiving an entire finished work, and instead, brings their own flavour, technique and finesse to another’s. The results are anyone’s guess!

VIEW THE PRINTS

Image Credit: Annie Brammal, member of Te Kowhai Print Trust New Zealand

Opening Night
2026-03-20 18:00
Join us for the opening of 2 new exhibitions
Across the Ditch (and back again)
Tinted: Janna Hayes and Phoebe Hillard

Image: Janna Hayes, Out of the blue, 2026. bitumen and oil on paper

Impressions of Pastels - Short course
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00
Dive into the world of pastels and Australian art with this three-week course as we explore the Hinton exhibit Of Brushes and Light. After exploring the exhibit, we will use graphite, soft pastel and oil pastels to draw out your unique style, as well as play with mixing mediums. By the end you will have a range of artworks both inspired by the Hinton collection and reflective of your own creativity.
Materials are included, however, BYO sketchbook (if you do not have one, paper can be provided); this is for the walk through of the gallery to be able to sketch from the art if you wish.
DATES: Thursday evenings – March 5th, 12th & 19th
TIME: 6pm-8pm
VENUE: Packsaddle Studio
COST: FoN/CC member price $125, General Price $135
Min 8/ Max 12

Book before Thursday 26 February to ensure this class goes ahead!

Terms and Conditions

All bookings for events, art classes and workshops require payment in full at the time of booking
A minimum number of 8 students required for classes to proceed, please book and pay before 9am Thursday 26 February 2026 to ensure classes go ahead
Please be aware that once bookings close, we are unable to offer a refund
If the class does not proceed, you will be refunded any cash amount
NERAM events have a limited capacity and use a ticketing system. Bookings are essential
Student contact details may be passed on to facilitators for communication purposes

NERAMble: Art in the Garden
2026-03-14 10:00 - 2026-03-15 16:30
Hosted by the Friends of NERAM, Art in the Garden returns to the beautiful grounds of “Auchinlea,” North Dumaresq, on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026, 10.00am–4.30pm daily.
Enjoy a relaxed weekend of art, gardens and community with sculpture, watercolour and oil paintings, pottery, silversmith works, plants, autumn harvest stalls and unique treasures to discover — plus Devonshire teas and a raffle. Entry is $10 for adults, $8 for Friends of NERAM members, and free for under-16s.

Directions
On the New England Highway Bypass at Armidale take the UNE exit. At the roundabout take first exit onto Queen Elizabth Drive (towards UNE). Continue straight – past university colleges – on Handel Street. At 1.1km, just after last houses, turn left across the railway line, then turn right onto Old Inverell Road. Proceed for 3.3km, turn left into Tanglewood Road North.
Auchinlea Garden 300 metres on right.
Look for Friends of NERAM signage.
For GPS navigation enter “28 Tanglewood Road North, Armidale, NSW”.

A fundraising event by
Friends of NERAM Inc 9885144
email : foninvitations@gmail.com

All About Women 2026: Satellite Stream
2026-03-08 10:30 - 14:00
All About Women returns to the Sydney Opera House on 8 March to celebrate International Women’s Day.
All About Women is one of the Sydney Opera House’s flagship festivals, a day of talks and discussions exploring ever-evolving questions on gender, culture and equality.
Excitingly, 2026 also marks the return of the All About Women Satellite program in which a selection of talks from the festival will be made available to community groups across the country, including right here at NERAM.

Satellite Timeline
Raising Boys Watch Live from 10:30am – 11:30am AEDT on Sunday 8 March 2026
Zadie Smith Watch Live from 1:00pm – 2:00pm AEDT on Sunday 8 March 2026

About the individual sessions
RAISING BOYS with Jess Hill, Zac Seidler, moderated by Jamila Rizvi
10:30am – 11:30am AEDT – Live
From Andrew Tate to algorithmic rabbit holes, this panel will unpack the real forces shaping boys today – and what parents can do beyond panic and blame.
Bringing up boys isn’t getting any less complicated. One minute they’re sweet, funny little humans. The next, they’re parroting some podcast bro who insists “patriarchy isn’t real” and “grindset” is a personality.
Shows like Adolescence and books like The Anxious Generation tapped a nerve. As toxic masculinity is loudly (and often rightly) called out, a generation of boys is confused and ashamed – and the algorithm is happy to lead them down dark alt-right rabbit holes. It’s part of the reason the Australian government introduced age restrictions for social media accounts.
So how do we cut through the bro-fluencer noise to raise resilient, emotionally literate boys?Investigative journalist Jess Hill (See What You Made Me Do) and clinical researcher and men’s mental health expert Zac Seidler unpack the cultural forces shaping boys today and how adults can guide them with compassion.
ZADIE SMITH, hosted by Michaela Kalowski
1:00pm – 2:00pm AEDT – Live
Literary powerhouse and north-west London legend, Zadie Smith unpacks our cultural chaos with both subtlety and precision. When the best ideas risk being flattened into feed-friendly takes, she dares us to resist the comfort of simple narratives.
Buckle up for an eye-opening conversation inspired by her latest essay collection, Dead and Alive, which spans politics on both sides of the Atlantic, cinema, galleries, Glastonbury and the question of who gets to make art.
With her trademark mix of intellect and irreverence, Smith unpacks our culture. Expect razor-sharp insight and a reminder that in a fractious, doomscrolling world, curiosity is always our best line of defence.

How to Watch
Date: Sunday 8th March
Time: 10:30-11:30am & 1-2pm
Location: Mazda Gallery at the New England Regional Art Museum
Cost: $0

Silver Swans Ballet Workshop
2026-03-06 14:00 - 15:30
Silver Swans classes have been specifically designed for the over-55s, but whatever your age, if you are looking for a new way to keep fit and active, our ballet classes will put a spring in your step.
Whether you’ve never danced before or want to get back into the swing of it, our classes have something for everyone.
The R.A.D. developed this programme based on research into dance practice for older learners – classes are only taught by Silver Swans Licensees. Joanne Knight RAD.RTS is currently offering ballet classes including Silver Swans at PLC dance studio, Armidale.
If you are one of those ladies who have always wanted to ballet, its never to late to shine and what better way to start than with this free event! We will have a number of ballet barre’s set up within our Hinton Gallery for a quiet atmosphere. We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and, if possible, shoes that have some flexibility in them.

A NSW Seniors Festival event
