WHEN: Thursday 6 November, 2-6pm
WHERE: Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB
BOOKING: Free, booking essential. Book here.
Gathering, sharing and workshops
We invite you to an afternoon of exchange and collective action — bringing together organisations committed to social justice in the arts. Together we’ll share practices that have sparked real change, learn from one another’s journeys, and imagine what a radically different future for the sector could look like. The day will focus on practical collaboration: how can we unite, and what commitments can we make together?
In 2023, Primary received funding from the Art Fund’s Reimagine Grant to support meaningful, sustained organisational change towards greater accessibility and inclusivity. Through this funding Primary:
Recruited a new Associate Curator from the global majority: Raghavi Chinnadurai, whose role began April 2024. In this role, Raghavi researched and developed the Kolam programme.
Undertook access audits and worked with three Critical Friends (2023–25) focusing on: Anti-racism; Supporting neurodiverse people in the arts; Staff recruitment & development; Digital programming.
Delivered staff and Board training on neurodiversity, access riders, mental health, and anti-racism.
As the Reimagine grant comes to an end, we are hosting a sector sharing event to reflect on the journey so far - acknowledging the ongoing nature of this work and need for further learning. This event will share learning from leaders, thinkers, and dreamers across the sector and connect with peers to ask: What does long-term allyship and advocacy for social justice in the arts look like?
We’re inviting participation from organisations and art-workers committed to social justice who want to:
Share initiatives that have led to tangible change.
Join practical workshops designed for collective action.
Co-create a sector-wide charter for change based on shared commitments.
Contributors include: Raghavi Chinnadurai (Primary), Rahiela Seef, Arts Catalyst, Future Curators Programme, Grand Union, Ort Gallery and a-n.
Access: There will be BSL interpretation for the presentations. The event will take place in The Space, with breakout sessions in other rooms and there will be a quiet space available. There is level access to all spaces in Nottingham Contemporary. Please visit this link for Nottingham Contemporary's full access statement: https://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/visit/access-and-facilities/
Image: Artists Mentoring Curators - Jade Foster & Ellen Gallagher. Photo: Tom Platinum Morley
Programme
You can download the full programme including contributors bios here:
Please note, the “In Conversation” section will be filmed and will be available online after the event for anyone unable to join us in person.
Programme Outline
Please arrive at 1.45pm for a 2pm start
Hot drinks and snacks provided.
2pm: Introduction (15 mins)
Setting the context for the day, aims for working together, care and accountability.
Outline breaks, quiet space and access.
2.15pm: In Conversations & Sharing (1 hour 45 mins)
Examples of sector-changing practice
Screening of Drafts film by Jade Foster / DASH (15 mins)
Reflections on the Future Curators Programme with Arts Catalyst (25 mins)
Speakers: Claudia Lastra and Anna Santomauro – Followed by short Q&ARaghavi Chinnadurai in conversation with Rahiela Seef – sharing Kolam research and learnings (40 mins) – Followed by short Q&A
4pm: BREAK (25 mins)
Allowing some flex time to get to workshop spaces
4.30pm: Workshops (1 hour)
Please sign up for workshops on arrival
Facilitated reflective sessions sharing organisational practice and approach:
Ort Gallery: “How do we embed equitable ways of working into the culture of our organisations?” Join Sarah Lopez and Aaisha Akhtar to explore learning from Warmth - their pioneering methodology for equitable working methods in the arts industry.
Grand Union: “Come As You Are” A collective reading and re-writing of Grand Union’s Come As You Are approach with Jo Capper and Hannah Wallis – reshaping it from the perspectives of those in the room.
a-n (Artists Information Company): “What would make the arts sector more Just and Joyful?” From personal reflections to collective commitments, join Julie Lomax from a-n to consider changes we can make today and how to build solidarity for the future.
5.30pm: Wrap-Up & Next Steps (30 mins)
Sharing reflections from workshops and commitments for change.
Exploring how this connects to existing national networks and next steps from this event.
This event is supported through the Art Fund Reimagine grant.