In the new online collection: Claire Martin, Path to the lighthouse 2005, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, donated by MAC Society, 2006, Still Waters Clear Visions Cultural Collections, Lake Macquarie

MAC news

This has undoubtedly been a year to remember, and one in which we all need each other's support. Art and its power to connect people throughout the world has become more apparent during the Covid-19 situation, mainly through social media and other online avenues. We have been working to enhance your time at home by providing online and home-delivered art activities, making our collection available online and today we launched the MAC Triangle challenge - a creative activity for all.

Support for the local creative community is on offer through a variety of grants, and a new exhibition initiative, Reconnected: a recovery story.

We look forward to seeing you all again soon in our new look MAC space. Until then enjoy the company you have, spend some time (online or in-person) with mum on Mother's Day and stay safe.

The MAC team

Opportunities

MAC Triangle challenge

LIKE>CREATE>SHARE

Throughout May and June, MAC is running a creative challenge for people of all ages and artistic levels!  Your artwork can be anything you like – a photo, drawing, painting, sculpture, lego house or anything! The only requirement is your artwork must contain a triangle in some way!

And the best part? We have some great prizes up for grabs! There are 2 x $150 MAC Shop vouchers to be won for adults and 2 x MAC Packs to be won for kids (12 and under).

Step 1 Like MAC’s Facebook page @themacmuseum
Step 2 Create your artwork
Step 3 Post it on Facebook and/or Instagram with  #MACTriangle

Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more information

MAC yapang Aboriginal triangle designs by artist Jasmine Miikika-Craciun, other examples created by staff.

Free art packs

Council’s Arts Culture and Tourism team have been creating free art packs for families in Lake Macquarie. The art packs feature at-home creative activities for children under 12. We have a new pack ready including, Mother's Day bouquet, chatterbox, portrait drawing, and fruit and vegetable collage.

To order your free pack, email ACT Outreach actoutreach@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.

Reconnect at MAC

Calling Lake Macquarie artists and makers! Would you like to feature in the exhibition, Reconnected? Reconnected is a recovery story, at the Museum of Art and Culture. Submit your work to be considered in this fantastic celebration of local creativity and emerging from isolation. The submission deadline is Tuesday 2 June. The exhibition will commence in July, or when restrictions allow.

Creative grants

The second round of Council grants is available to help Lake Macquarie's Creatives during Covid-19. Up to $2,500 in funding is available. Applications close Monday 25 May. For more information or assistance with your application, contact culturalprojects@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.

MAC online

Art activities

Our online art activities have proven popular and seemed to have hit the spot providing fun creative projects that children can do at home with new ideas each week.

Art collection

Exciting news, we have started moving the Lake Macquarie Cultural Collection, including MAC's, online! Soon you will be able to view and appreciate all we have to offer 24 hours a day.

Francis Celtan, Through Frosted Glass (detail) 1999, oil on canvas, 167.5 x 137cm, Lake Macquarie Cultural Collection, Museum of Art and Culture

Video

Artist talks, drawing workshops and more are available on our YouTube channel. Keep your eye out for weekly additions.

Exhibitions

The proposed exhibition dates are subject to NSW health and safety guidelines.

First Class 19         
until 28 June 2020

Guan Wei: a case study    
until 28 June 2020

YOUR COLLECTION: Aboriginal perspectives   
from reopening  –  28 June

Reconnected: a recovery story
4 July – 11 October

YOUR COLLECTION: yapang
4 July – 11 October

YOUR COLLECTION: Past and Present  
4 July – 6 December

Douglas Archibald Catfish II (detail), synthetic polymer paint on paper, 50 x 70cm. Donated by MAC Society, 2008.

More opportunities for artists

Create NSW has advised applications are now open for the NSW Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship in partnership with Artspace. If you're an emerging visual artist, you could be one of the 12 artists selected to receive curatorial support and mentorship from Artspace. Apply by 5pm AEST, Tuesday 26 May

For local Lake Mac artist opportunities, subscribe to LMCC Creative Lakes newsletter.