• Section 1 - Executive Summary  
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Audience
• Section 5 - Definitions
• Section 6 - Use and Access
• Access to the University Galleries sites
• Access to the Art Collection
• Exhibitions and Displays
• Use of the University Galleries Spaces
• Section 7 - General Conduct 
• Section 8 - Roles and Responsibilities

Section 1 - Executive Summary  

(1) The University of Newcastle (University) Galleries’ facilities and resources are provided to support the learning, teaching, research, and work integrated learning activities of the University and its regional communities in support of the Strategic Plan.

Section 2 - Purpose

(2) This Policy establishes the principles by which persons may access and utilise the spaces and resources of the University Galleries (including the University Gallery, Watt Space Gallery [City Campus], the University Art Collection and the Senta Taft-Hendry Museum).

Section 3 - Scope

(3) This Policy applies to all sites and services of the University Galleries.

Section 4 - Audience

(4) Staff, students, University affiliates and alumni, honorary academics, the general public, partners of the University, and resource-sharing organisations. 

Section 5 - Definitions

(5) In the context of this document the following definitions apply: 

Section 6 - Use and Access

Access to the University Galleries sites

(6) The hours of opening of the University Gallery, Watt Space and Museum will be determined by the Art Curator and will be publicly notified to Galleries clients via signage at the site and through the University Galleries website. Any variation to the standard opening hours shall be notified in advance, through appropriate University and University Galleries channels, and posted on the University Galleries website.

(7) Visits by appointment for large groups, or outside of opening hours, are at the discretion of the Art Curator and must be organised in advance by contacting the University Galleries.

Access to the Art Collection

(8) The University Galleries will develop and maintain relationships with the University community, artists, art dealers, arts organisations, galleries, museums and libraries, and past and prospective donors through the curation, interpretation and exhibition of the Art Collection in a range of formats. 

(9) The University Galleries will facilitate and promote access to the Art Collection and exhibitions for Galleries’ clients in accordance with:

1. this Policy;
2. the Art Collection Management Framework; 
3. copyright obligations;  
4. Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property Protocols (ICIPP); and 
5. cultural sensitivity and security requirements.

(10) Loans or relocation of any cultural material held in the Birabahn building or in the Wollotuka Collections will require prior written approval from the Head of Wollotuka Institute.

(11) A portion of the Art Collection that has copyright approval is available to access via an online database. This is available through the University's website and is accessible by the wider University community and public.

Exhibitions and Displays

(12) The Art Curator is responsible for curating exhibitions of the University Galleries’ Art Collection within the University's gallery spaces and at off-site locations. Exhibitions will be made accessible to the University community and the public through regular opening times.  

(13) Artworks from the Art Collection are displayed across the University campus. Senior staff may apply for artwork for their office or public areas. See the Art Collection Management Framework for more information.

(14) No movement of collection works is to take place without the prior knowledge and approval by the Art Curator. The Art Curator will supervise, assist, advise, and support all movement of collection works.  

Use of the University Galleries Spaces

(15) Use of the University Galleries’ facilities, equipment, and assets during externally organised exhibitions and events will be at the discretion of the Art Curator and must be agreed to in advance. 

(16) University Galleries clients may apply to the Art Curator to hold exhibitions in the University Galleries’ spaces.

(17) The Art Curator maintains the right to limit the viewing of works that are of a nature that may distress visitors to any University Galleries space, within the provisions of the Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom.

(18) University staff may apply to the Art Curator to book the University Galleries’ spaces for events. 

(19) Galleries clients who book events will bear all costs relating to staffing, equipment, and catering in accordance with the event booking conditions that are available from the University Galleries at the time of enquiry.

(20) An indicative list of facilities, equipment, and assets can be found on the University Galleries Programs and Events website.

Section 7 - General Conduct 

(21) Galleries’ clients must respect the rights of others and behave in a manner not likely to disrupt or inconvenience other clients. The University Galleries observe zero tolerance to aggressive behaviour including but not limited to any verbal or physical abuse toward staff, clients, or members of the public.

(22) Children must always be within the immediate supervision of an adult.

(23) Display of posters and notices may be allowed at the discretion of the Art Curator. Permission must be obtained in advance by contacting the University Galleries.

(24) Filming or taking photographs within the University Galleries requires prior permission from the Art Curator. Suitable signage will be displayed to notify of filming and photography in progress. Photography of staff, students, or visitors is not permitted without their explicit written permission.

(25) University Galleries clients must leave the premises immediately when requested to do so by University Galleries or Security staff.

Section 8 - Roles and Responsibilities

(26) The University Galleries has overarching responsibility for all the sites and services of the University Galleries (including the Art Collection). This includes withdrawing and restoring access to spaces and resources in accordance with delegations of authority.