Nottingham Studios Ltd (NS) is a contemporary visual artist led organisation, initially established in 2003, and with formal status as a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee, since 2006.
The organisation originally had a membership of artists who form the board for the purposes of governance. They were Michael Forbes, Niki Russell, Mick Godly and myself with representation from the New Art Exchange. The organisation was initiated and has developed in response to need and demand for the provision of new, high quality and affordable studio space, and professional support for both up and coming and established contemporary visual artists in Nottingham. We were supported by the consultants Art Reach (David Hill) and Arts Council England.
At some stage I will write a brief pottered history of our journey...but for now...by 2010 Nottingham Studios with the support of Art Reach, ACE and Nottingham City Council (NS) secured a 30 year lease on the Douglas Rd school. The building comprises a large Victorian Grade 11 listed building on two storeys and a self contained 1960’s annexe also on two stories.
Event 2015
The Uncanny Canteen
Studio 8b / course 10
Part of a Primary fundraising gourmet food evening. Meals prepared by Kimberley Bell.
A Séance with the Green Fairy
Absinthe Fudge
Absinthe Fondants
Green Fairy Jelly
The room is full of painted anti-persons; take in the substances on the table…at this instant pharmakeia emerges…an evocation of the Green Fairy or Leslie Sarony?
The organisation originally had a membership of artists who form the board for the purposes of governance. They were Michael Forbes, Niki Russell, Mick Godly and myself with representation from the New Art Exchange. The organisation was initiated and has developed in response to need and demand for the provision of new, high quality and affordable studio space, and professional support for both up and coming and established contemporary visual artists in Nottingham. We were supported by the consultants Art Reach (David Hill) and Arts Council England.
At some stage I will write a brief pottered history of our journey...but for now...by 2010 Nottingham Studios with the support of Art Reach, ACE and Nottingham City Council (NS) secured a 30 year lease on the Douglas Rd school. The building comprises a large Victorian Grade 11 listed building on two storeys and a self contained 1960’s annexe also on two stories.
Event 2015
The Uncanny Canteen
Studio 8b / course 10
Part of a Primary fundraising gourmet food evening. Meals prepared by Kimberley Bell.
A Séance with the Green Fairy
Absinthe Fudge
Absinthe Fondants
Green Fairy Jelly
The room is full of painted anti-persons; take in the substances on the table…at this instant pharmakeia emerges…an evocation of the Green Fairy or Leslie Sarony?
Below
Images of Primary to 2011
Refurbishment
Nottingham Studios (Board of Directors)
First Primary Christmas event (2011)
Images of Primary to 2011
Refurbishment
Nottingham Studios (Board of Directors)
First Primary Christmas event (2011)
2015
ESP @ Aid & Abet
Primary Summer Fayre (fundraising event)
Paravent
ESP @ Aid & Abet
Primary Summer Fayre (fundraising event)
Paravent
2014
2013
Various studio activities
Various studio activities
2012
Pre-studio event / Cultural Olympiad - March 2012
Display cases
Summer & Winter 2012
Studio events
Studio 8b (before and after renovation)
Pre-studio event / Cultural Olympiad - March 2012
Display cases
Summer & Winter 2012
Studio events
Studio 8b (before and after renovation)
The following images are of numerous ‘Go-See’ trips and meetings organised by Nottingham Studios or by Capital Networks
Capital Networks (2005) Paris, Brussels & Germany
London (2006)
Galleries of Justice (2006)
The Art Exchange (2006)
Ikon Gallery (2006)
MK Gallery (2006)
Liverpool - National Association for Studio Providers (2008)
Arboretum (2008)
Thorsby Street (2008)
Brook Street (2009)
Radford Unity Building (2009)
Tennyson Hall
2006
Brief was to create a unique flagship building in Nottingham. NS appointed David Adjaye Associates as architects.
Images (Adjaye Associates)
Development to RIBA Stage B/C
Nottingham Studios Presents...
Highlighting the advent of an exciting new art complex in the city, Nottingham Studios staged a series of "pop-up" exhibitions and events in The Exchange Buildings, 5 Smithy Row, opposite Primark in the centre of Nottingham.
From 24th October 2010 to the end of January 2011 "Nottingham Studios Presents..." four exhibitions curated by the directors of the organisation, reflecting their artistic interests and the diverse range of contemporary arts practice in the UK…including video, sound, painting, photography, sculpture and installation. The shows will feature visual artists from the city, region and beyond.
The exhibitions coincided with the arrival in Nottingham of British Art Show 7, “In The Days Of The Comet” curated by Lisa le Feuvre & Tom Morton and the exhibitions formed part of the Independent sector of Sideshow. Unique to Nottingham, Sideshow celebrates the city’s growing artist-led scene and do-it-yourself approach to contemporary art.
24th Oct - 14th Nov 2010
Because I Can curated by Michael Forbes
Artists: Nadim Chaudry, Paul Gent, Mik Godley, Sarah R Key
21st Nov - 12th Dec 2010
2010: the year we made contact curated by Mik’s Front Room
Artists: Mike Bowdidge, dj Pushpaw, Graham Lester George, Agnese Blythe-Godley, Mik Godley, Steve Ingman, Charles Monkhouse, Yelena Popova, Irene Rogan, Marek Tobolewski
19th Dec - 9th Jan 2011
Wildflowers
Simon Withers
19th Dec - 9th Jan 2011
16th Jan - 6th Feb 2011
Not ready yet curated by Niki Russell
Thomas Chaffe, Emma Cocker, Tom Godfrey, John Plowman
* A selection of images from ‘Wildflowers' & 'Not ready yet'