About Our Campus Artwork
Discover further information about Newcastle University campus art.
The Newcastle University Art on Campus programme
Clasp, by the renowned artist Antony Gormley, is the latest addition to Newcastle University’s Art on Campus programme. This programme aims to enhance the campus and showcase art by leading artists, including graduates and staff from the University.
Clasp joins existing public artworks on campus, including:
- a bronze statue of Dr Martin Luther King Jr (unveiled in November 2017)
- the Grade II-listed Spiral Nebula by noted post-war sculptor Geoffrey Clarke
- Generation – a group of three large sculptural heads in the Student Forum created by Joseph Hiller, a graduate of Newcastle University’s internationally renowned Fine Art department
Our programme of public sculpture and art is something we are very proud of. It acts as a physical embodiment of the rich culture and creativity found at Newcastle University – an inclusive place of learning, research, creative practice and visionary thinking.
Some of the art on display intentionally challenges the viewer, their thinking and their expectations, changing how we see and experience the world. Other pieces speak directly to the research happening within our university buildings, as well as our imaginations. Some works of art are integrated into the fabric of the buildings and are almost indistinguishable from the architecture.
The art also fulfils a practical purpose, animating the landscape of the campus and providing landmarks to help visitors orientate themselves. The work on display embodies the history of the university, as well as its current identity, community, creativity and continual reinvention.
The Art on Campus programme complements the university’s permanent and temporary exhibition spaces and collections, which include:
- the Hatton Gallery
- the Farrell Centre
- the Great North Museum: Hancock
- Special Collections (based in Philip Robinson Library)
These exciting research and cultural collections sit alongside university departments where creative practice is taught and celebrated. These include:
The annual degree shows for Fine Art students and Architecture students remain key cultural highlights in the university calendar and are popular with the wider region. Likewise, performances by students and professional musicians are a regular featue of our live music programme in the King's Hall.
