FRAMED: The Sampson Collection

2026 UNIVERSITY GALLERY

FRAMED: The Sampson Collection

05 November 2025 – 07 February 2026 

FEATURING WORK BY:

Nick Barlow / Mark Berryman / Charles Blackman / Dino Consalvo / James Drinkwater / John Earle / Brett McMahon / David Middlebrook / Rachel Milne / Nigel Milsom / John Olsen / Gloria Pannka / Ivy Pareroultja / Alfonso Puautjimi

Established in 1965, the University of Newcastle Art Collection is an active asset that is central to the University's cultural identity. With a long-standing commitment to collecting work by significant Australian artists, the Collection has a particular focus on artists from the Newcastle and Hunter region, as well as on works by First Nations artists – playing a vital role in ensuring regional stories and diverse creative voices are represented and celebrated.

In the University's 60th anniversary year, a landmark donation of 80 artworks by Aaron and Samantha Sampson has been made to the Collection. The donated works include pieces by prominent Newcastle-based artists, many of whom have strong connections to the University as teaching staff, alumni, and exhibiting artists. This generous contribution significantly enhances the Collection and highlights the vibrancy of artistic practice in the region. It reflects the strength of community support for the arts and the enduring legacy of the University’s commitment to creative and cultural engagement.