Newcastle Student Arts Scene: Fine Art at Newcastle University

The Hatton is on the main university campus and is one of the oldest university galleries in the UK. It houses the Kurt Schwitters Merzbarn wall, a genuinely significant work of twentieth century art, which alone makes it worth visiting. The programme covers both historical and contemporary exhibitions and entry is free. It is used extensively by Fine Art students and regularly shows work by staff and visiting artists. The gallery does not feel like a student facility – it operates as a proper public gallery that happens to be on a university campus.

Across the Millennium Bridge, the Baltic in a converted flour mill on the Gateshead bank is the biggest contemporary art venue between London and Edinburgh. Admission is free. The programme is international-quality contemporary art with strong support for new and emerging artists. Fine Art students use it as a resource throughout their studies. The rooftop viewing platform also has the best view of the Tyne from any publicly accessible point in Newcastle.

The Newcastle University Fine Art degree show in June is one of the better events in the city’s arts calendar and is open to the public. It gives a genuine view of what the department is producing. Intermediate year open studios also run through the year and are listed on the university website. Worth attending if you have any interest in contemporary visual art.

A volunteer-run cinema and arts space in Byker that runs film, performance, and arts events. This is the city’s genuinely independent arts venue and an important part of Newcastle’s alternative cultural infrastructure. Membership is inexpensive and the programming is consistently interesting for arts-oriented students.