Lennox Street Studios

A Creative Hub in Newtown Since 1995

Lennox Street Studios is an artist-run studio space located in Newtown, NSW, and has been a cornerstone of Sydney's creative community for nearly three decades. Founded in 1995 and continuously supported by St Joseph's Church, the studios provide a thriving home for nearly 40 working artists of all ages, disciplines and skill levels. The space was established through the vision of fellow artists Steve Perrin and Malcolm Poole, who recognised the need for an affordable, collaborative environment where creativity could flourish.

This unique studio complex in Newtown has earned its reputation as a place where emerging art school graduates work alongside Archibald Prize winners and established professionals. The atmosphere is deliberately cultivated to foster mutual learning and understanding amongst its resident artists, creating a supportive environment that celebrates artistic growth and experimentation. For visitors and art enthusiasts seeking authentic creative spaces in Sydney, Lennox Street Studios represents the heart of Newtown's vibrant arts precinct.

Diverse Mediums and Artistic Practice

The studios encompass a remarkable breadth of artistic practice, with resident and guest artists working across painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, print making, film and textiles. This multidisciplinary approach means visitors encounter contemporary, abstract, figurative, landscape, portraiture, still life, expressionist and realist works, reflecting the full spectrum of modern artistic expression. The diversity of mediums and approaches ensures that whether you're interested in traditional fine art or experimental contemporary practice, there's work to discover and appreciate across the studios.

The roster of artists at Lennox Street Studios in Newtown spans a wide range of styles and specialisations, from established prize-winning artists to emerging practitioners. This eclecticism is intentional—it mirrors the inclusive philosophy of the studios themselves. The presence of such varied artistic voices means the space evolves continuously, with each artist contributing their own perspective and technical expertise to the community.

Open Studio Weekends and Direct Artist Engagement

The cornerstone of public engagement at Lennox Street Studios is its annual Open Studio Weekend, a popular free event that draws visitors keen to see work being created, meet artists in their working spaces, and purchase directly from the source. These weekends offer a rare opportunity to step into working studios and understand the creative process firsthand—conversations with artists, views of works in progress, and the chance to acquire pieces that have just left the studio. Recent Open Studio Weekends have attracted significant community interest, making it one of Newtown's most anticipated annual arts events.

Beyond the annual showcase, artists at the studios welcome enquiries year-round regarding sales and commissions. Each artist maintains their own practice and contact details available through the studios' artist directory, allowing collectors and art lovers to engage directly with creators. This direct relationship between artist and patron is a defining feature of Lennox Street Studios, bypassing gallery intermediaries and fostering genuine connections within Sydney's art community.

Art Classes and Community Learning

Lennox Street Studios extends its creative mission beyond its resident artists through affordable art classes for children and adults. Offered on the ground level of the complex and led by studio artist André Hobday, these classes provide accessible entry points for anyone interested in developing their artistic skills. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine existing abilities, the classes are structured to welcome participants of all experience levels—consistent with the studios' philosophy of nurturing artistic growth and building community.

Why Visit Lennox Street Studios in Newtown

Lennox Street Studios offers something rarely found in gallery environments: authentic, unmediated access to working artists and their creative output. There are no sales pressures or curatorial filters—just genuine artistic practice in a supportive, collaborative setting. The studios remain free to visit during Open Studio Weekends and are accessible to those seeking studio space rental or art instruction. This openness, combined with the calibre of artists at work and the breadth of mediums on display, makes Lennox Street Studios an essential destination for anyone serious about contemporary art in Sydney.

Located in Newtown, a suburb renowned for its bohemian character and cultural vitality, Lennox Street Studios sits naturally within the neighbourhood's arts ecosystem. The studios have become synonymous with independent, artist-led creative practice—a living alternative to institutional gallery structures. Whether you're visiting to browse, buy, learn, or simply absorb the creative energy of the space, Lennox Street Studios remains a testament to the enduring power of artist-run initiatives and community-supported creative practice in contemporary Australia.