BOUNCEBACK

The Creator Incubator is proud to present Bounceback 2025, the 15th exhibition of the Arts in Recovery (AiR) program, a volunteer-led initiative that has been transforming lives through creativity for over 15 years. 

AiR began as a simple idea: to create a safe, welcoming space for people to connect, create, and recover through art. Fifteen years on, the program has grown into a vital cultural and community anchor in Newcastle, hosting 132 monthly workshops and engaging with more than 5,280 participants in its lifetime. With the support of around 16 facilitators, AiR has showcased 1,950 artworks in its Bounceback exhibitions, returning over $20,000 in sales directly to artists. 

More than numbers, however, AiR represents community, connection, and resilience. The program sustains participants not only on workshop days but in their everyday lives, fostering kindness, creativity, and belonging. As co-coordinators Alan and Tess reflect, “AiR grounds us. It is something that sustains us, lets us breathe, and enriches our lives”  

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to the generosity of The Creator Incubator, which provides space and support, The University of Newcastle, and Hunter New England Area Health (HNEAH), whose staff and financial contributions this year ensured the event could go ahead.  

AiR remains a 100% volunteer-run organisation. All workshops, exhibitions, materials, and food are offered free to participants. Proceeds from art sales at Bounceback go entirely to the artists, with AiR and TCI taking no commission—a testament to their commitment to community and accessibility. 

“Every artwork in Bounceback tells a story,” Alan and Tess note. “They are voices that may otherwise remain hidden or unheard, shared with courage and generosity.” 

Bounceback 2025 is more than an exhibition: it is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. Visitors are invited to experience the works, connect with the artists, and support the continuation of this vital program.