Launch your artistic career

Do you create artwork in the Lake Macquarie region, or are you inspired by the lake and its surrounds to create works of art? Are you part of an artist or craft collective looking for a place to exhibit art works in your local community?

Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries is an exhibition program that invites community artists of all age ranges and levels of experience to exhibit across six Lake Mac Libraries branches.

The Launchpad program is committed to fostering a creative community by providing quality and accessible exhibition spaces within our facilities - encouraging professional development, creativity, and an exchange of ideas – in a safe and approachable environment.

Exhibition space is available at:

• Toronto Library
• Belmont Library
• Charlestown Library
• Wangi Creative Hub
• Windale Library Hub (opening soon)
• SEEN@Swansea

Applications will be considered based on a criteria that aims to:

• Promote exhibitions of local or cultural relevance, artistic merit, and innovation
• Present exhibitions that showcase the work of emerging artists in all mediums
• Present exhibitions that are diverse and thought-provoking   
• Act as a platform for creative dialogue by encouraging wider community participation in the arts
• Showcase the work of community members that have worked and created in Lake Macquarie

What we offer:

• Free exhibition space – there is no application fee and no installation fee
• Option to exhibit 2D works or 3D work, or both
• Exhibition periods of up to 12 weeks
• Advice and support throughout the application and preparation process
• Installation assistance and support
• Promotional support by featuring your exhibition on the Lake Mac Libraries website and What’s On pages
• Opportunity to sell works if desired – Lake Mac takes a 25% commission on works sold during exhibition
• Support of a free event run by the artist
• Lake Mac Library staff will supervise the exhibition, guide visitors to your show, and process sales during opening hours

As an artist, you will:

• Provide frames and hanging methods of artworks supplied – Lake Mac provides hanging wires and rails
• Organise, advertise, and present a free event of your choosing associated with your exhibition – an opening, a talk, a workshop
• Be responsible for the insurance of the work during the period of exhibition

Launch your Artistic career at the library!

Launchpad@Lake Mac Libraries is now seeking expressions of interest from local artists and community art and craft groups to exhibit their work in our libraries for our 2025 season.

Complete your expression of interest today! Applications can be submitted online (see application tab below).

If you are not able to submit online please contact [email protected]