City’s cultural facilities’ response to COVID-19

In response to COVID-19, the Federal Government has introduced social distancing measures, which include limiting non-essential organised gatherings of 500 people or more.

Unsurprisingly, the Civic Theatre has been advised by promoters of all upcoming shows that they have been either cancelled or postponed.

Our ticketing service provider, Ticketek, will inform all customers affected by a show cancellation directly. Many show promoters are postponing rather than cancelling.

The Civic Theatre will provide regular updates on its website and by social media.

The Playhouse and Civic Café will continue to operate but have instituted the additional recommended social distancing measure of ensuring customers are seated 1.5 metres apart.

Whilst the Newcastle Art Gallery remains open, in order for the City to do all it can to limit the transmission of the virus in our communities, and to prioritise the wellbeing of members, staff, volunteers and visitors, all public programming at the Gallery has been suspended until further notice. This includes programs Art Cart and Last Fridays.

Newcastle Museum remains open but has suspended the Supernova and Mininova Gallery exhibition as well as the Bush Mechanics and Cultural Resurgence exhibitions.

Fort Scratchley is open, however its popular Tunnel Tours have been suspended to limit close contact in a confined space.

All City library branches are open, however programs and events have been suspended until further notice.

City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of the further spread of COVID-19 to the region.

The City’s key objectives are to provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities and to support the State and Federal Governments to manage the impact of the pandemic.

City of Newcastle will adjust operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff and volunteers.

For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19