The Power of Community: Unlocking the Potential of Nottingham's Art Scene
A Revolutionary Approach to Art Leadership
Imagine a place where the future of an art gallery is shaped by the very people who live in its community. This is the story of the New Art Exchange (NAE) in Nottingham, a gallery that has taken a bold step by handing over the reins to a citizens' assembly.
Meet Felix, a nursing student, who discovered a hidden gem right on his doorstep. "I had no idea this place existed, and now I'm here, helping to shape its future. It's an incredible feeling," he shares.
The Diverse Voice of Hyson Green
NAE's citizens' assembly is a diverse group of 40 residents from Hyson Green, a community that speaks an impressive 52 languages. These individuals hold the power to decide the gallery's events, allocate funding, and choose the artists to exhibit. Since its inception, they have distributed £285,000 in funding, ensuring the gallery's impact on the community.
Saad Eddine Said, the gallery's chief executive and artistic director, emphasizes the importance of this approach: "Without the community's involvement, we'd risk becoming just another average organization. Hyson Green is a treasure trove of culture and talent, and we wanted their input to be more than just advisory; we wanted true co-leadership."
Transforming the Gallery's Image
One of the assembly's first decisions was to remove a street gallery outside the building. Members felt it was intimidating and off-putting, so they redirected funds to create a welcoming cafe space that would draw people in. This decision had an immediate impact, with NAE reporting a 22% increase in overall engagement and a 48% growth in visitors from global ethnic majority backgrounds.
Addressing Community Needs
The assembly identified a lack of social spaces on Friday evenings as a major issue in the area. In response, NAE started hosting social events, such as poetry readings and DJ nights, which have proven to be hugely popular.
Said reflects, "Removing the street gallery felt like a bold move, but the assembly's decision was final. It's about listening to the community and acting on their insights."
Adam Roe, the gallery's executive director, adds, "I've gained power through this process. We now have a deeper understanding of our community's needs and have discovered artists we never would have known about otherwise."
The Spread of Citizens' Assemblies
Citizens' assemblies have been a tool in local democracy and public policy for some time, but their use is expanding into new sectors. Cultural institutions are now embracing this model, with the National Gallery and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery leading the way.
However, there is skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of these initiatives. Some question whether senior leadership teams view them as more than just a public engagement strategy.
A Transformative Impact
Lily, a 21-year-old fine art graduate and assembly member, shares, "I was skeptical at first, but I'm impressed with the changes NAE has made based on our recommendations."
Kathy, a retired resident, adds, "I've lived here for a long time and seen many initiatives come and go. This area has been ignored, and it's disempowering. Being part of the assembly has been a real boost; I feel empowered and invigorated."
Said concludes, "Setting up the assembly was a huge investment of time and resources, but the results speak for themselves. Our citizens keep us relevant and engaged in a challenging time for the arts industry."
NAE's success has inspired Said to develop a blueprint for other organizations to implement similar citizens' assemblies. This innovative approach to leadership is a testament to the power of community involvement and its ability to transform cultural institutions.
