FREE EVENT SATURDAYS. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

SESSION ONE: 10AM – 10:45AM
SESSION TWO: 11AM – 11:45 AM

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ARTS IN THE YARD has been made possible through the support of Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

Join us for ARTS IN THE YARD, a free public program aimed at introducing children of all ages to contemporary arts practices in an entertaining and approachable way. This is an all-inclusive arts workshop, please bring yourself plus your family and be prepared to enjoy the delight of learning and making in one of Newcastle’s most historic spaces.

ARTS IN THE YARD returns in 2025, featuring sessions on Saturday mornings! Each session is a new activity developed in response to work featured from our most current exhibition and is delivered through two convenient 45 minute-long sessions, from 10AM – 10:45AM and 11AM – 11:45AM. Both sessions are tailored for kids and their families of mixed ages and abilities, we strongly encourage parents and caregivers to join in on the fun.

Each session begins with a mini tour of The Lock-Up’s historical spaces and a viewing of The Lock-Up’s current exhibition, followed by a free, kid-friendly workshop presented in the historical men’s exercise yard.

Led by The Lock-Up’s dedicated Arts Tutor, Sia Cox, with assistance from The Lock-Up’s enthusiastic volunteer team, ARTS IN THE YARD encourages the next generation of creatives by giving them the tools as well as the confidence to comfortably learn about contemporary arts practices.

This is a free program for children of all ages and their families.

As The Lock-Up staff and volunteers have taken part in Disability Awareness Training conducted by Accessible Arts, this program will reflect this ethos and has been developed to ensure equal access to participate.

Please note:

– Children cannot be left unattended during ARTS IN THE YARD.

– If you are not at the workshop within 15 minutes of the start time your place will be given to another family.

– Check booking link for dates ahead of your visit.