Zone Gallery was an acclaimed independent gallery in Newcastle Upon Tyne committed to presenting contemporary lens-based work by established and emerging artists. From its opening in 1992 through its closure in 1998, Zone established itself as a primary venue for the exhibition of photography and digital media and as a focus for critical debate in the Northern region of England. Zone enjoyed an in
ternational reputation for its programme and attracted large audiences to exhibitions. Zone presented work from a variety of formal and conceptual approaches, expanding the definition of photography and creating an new forum for dialogue between artists and audiences. Through gallery exhibitions, installations, publications, commissions and residencies, Zone pushed the boundaries of photographic practice and took a leading role in exploring the critical relationships between photography and emerging digital media within the broader context of the visual arts. Zone Gallery ran a continuous programme of contemporary photography exhibitions by nationally and internationally known artists and also had a strong commitment to promoting artists from the northern region. At least 50% of exhibitions were initiated and commissioned by Zone Gallery. In addition, Zone was often the only UK venue for major international touring shows. Artists who have exhibited at Zone Gallery include Andres Serrano, Helen Chadwick, Sally Mann, Pedro Meyer, Nobuyoshi Araki, Zofia Kulik, John Kippin, Bill Culbert, Orlan, Stelarc, Susan Collins, and Dominique Blain. The exhibitions programme was complemented by an active education programme of talks, seminars, gallery visits, workshops and residencies. In 1996 Zone Gallery provided the first public-access computer in Newcastle, giving on-line access to the World Wide Web from a computer installed within the gallery. Additionally, Zone maintained its own web site, which featured information on current and previous exhibitions and contained updated links to many new visual and electronic arts web pages. The site is no longer online, but an archive site is in development. The gallery comprised two exhibition spaces, the popular and busy Heaven Café and a small shop selling photography, art and design magazines and books. There was no admission charge and a free mailing list was maintained for information about Zone exhibitions and events. Zone Gallery was founded in 1991 by Co-Directors David Sinden and Kate Tregaskis. Michelle Hirschhorn was Curator from 1995 – 1998. Zone Gallery was a registered charity and revenue funded via the Northern Arts Photography Franchise, a five year funding commitment. Additional income was raised on a project by project basis from charitable trusts and foundations, public funding bodies, local authorities, commercial sponsorship and Zone touring exhibitions and retail activities.
