The Life of Adrian Newstead OAM from ordinary to Aboriginal Art Expert - a podcast by Natascha Moy

Adrian Newstead OAM is recognized for his contribution to Aboriginal Art in Australia and as the Owner of Coo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery, Art Consultant and Author. Adrian grew up with the desperate fear that he would be ordinary and instead he has turned out quite extraordinary. Adrian has actively supported Australian ethnic art and the artists who produce it for many years and is viewed by many as the man behind the the promotion of our beautiful ethnic art landscape.

Adrian Newstead OAM established Cooee Aboriginal art Gallery in 1981. A former President of the Indigenous Art Trade Association and Director of Aboriginal Tourism Australia he became the Head of Aboriginal Art for Lawson~Menzies in 2003, and Managing Director of Menzies Art Brands until 2008. An Aboriginal art consultant, dealer, and art commentator, based in Bondi, NSW, he has more that 30 years experience working in Aboriginal and Australian Contemporary art.

Adrian Newstead began working with Aboriginal communities in 1981 when Coo-ee Emporium (founded with Louise Ferrier) held the first exhibition for Tiwi Design of Bathurst Island. By 1985, when prominent Aboriginal identity Joe Croft became a partner in the business, Aboriginal art had become its primary interest. The company organised more than 100 exhibitions of Aboriginal art in Australia and overseas during the following decade.

As a prominent retailer in Sydney's Paddington precinct through the 1980s and 1990s, Adrian acted as the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the joint working party between Woollahra and South Sydney Councils for more than a decade. In that role he steered the rezoning and streetscape refurbishments of this lively tourism precinct through both councils.

 

For more information visit http://www.cooeeart.com.au/

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