NN Contemporary Art

NN Contemporary Art A gallery, studio space complex, education program & project space in Northampton Cultural Quarter. ACE NPO Organisation. Currently closed for renovations.

Welcome to NN Contemporary Art. We are a contemporary art space in the centre of Northampton. We work with artists at all stages of their careers to present an international programme of contemporary art and multi-disciplinary events.

24 Guildhall Road is currently closed as it undergoes capital renovations before our reopening to the public in Autumn 2022. We are temporarily based at Vulcan Work

s from which we are delivering our limited programme. Our new location will become home to 26 artist studios, a Contemporary Art Gallery, a new Project Space, an Artists Research Lounge, Multimedia Room, Civic Reading Room & Arts Library and s shop.

🚨 Call for Artists & Creatives! 🚨🎭 NN Nights 2025 – Micro Commissions 🎨We’re offering 10 micro-commissions of £150 to su...
12/03/2025

🚨 Call for Artists & Creatives! 🚨

🎭 NN Nights 2025 – Micro Commissions 🎨

We’re offering 10 micro-commissions of £150 to support artistic events & activities as part of NN Nights 2025 on Friday, 30 May 5-9pm!

We welcome proposals for:

🔥 Roaming performances
🔥 Site-specific installations
🔥 Pop-up exhibitions
🔥 Experimental music events
🔥 Film screenings
🔥 …or something unexpected!

This year, we’re especially keen to see ideas responding to Northampton’s 350th anniversary of The Great Fire of 1675 through themes of Resilience, Regeneration, and Transformation.

📅 Deadline: 4 April, 5pm
📩 Apply by emailing a short proposal, location/venue, images & links to [email protected]

🔗 Want to take part without a bursary? We’re also looking for venues, businesses & creatives to be part of this town-wide cultural festival!

Here's the link for more info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uy9oircu00FYfmBoUqlFzCteU7jp48-c/edit

Let’s make Northampton come alive with art, music & performance! ✨ 📸:

Join us this Thursday, 5.30-7.30pm, for the third session in The Guild Programme. We're delighted to welcome Adam Suther...
24/02/2025

Join us this Thursday, 5.30-7.30pm, for the third session in The Guild Programme. We're delighted to welcome Adam Sutherland (Grizedale Arts) & Akil Scafe-Smith (Resolve Collective) to NN Contemporary Art for an evening exploring socially engaged practice and alternative institutional models.

Adam Sutherland is the director of .arts a position he has held for over 25 years. Over that time the programme and ambitions of the organisation have increasingly focused on the role or artists within and as a part of communities/society. The notion of Socially Engaged Practice and Useful Art were pioneered at Grizedale, in particular through The Coniston Institute, a Mechanics Institute re imagined by John Ruskin and his followers in the late 19th century. Adam’s talk will focus on this history of community engagement from 2009 to 2019 as well as the follow on project, the purchase of a large country Inn and the trials and tribulations of making that work. Adam will also provide a delicious vegetarian soup for all attendees.

Akil Scafe-Smith is a Director of , an interdisciplinary design collective that combines architecture, engineering, technology and art to address social challenges. They have delivered numerous projects, workshops, publications, and talks in the UK and across the world, all of which look toward realising just and equitable visions of change in our built environment.

Limited spaces available, to book a free ticket see our LINK IN BIO

🚨 TOMORROW NIGHT! 🚨Join us for the second session of The Guild programme, we’re thrilled to welcome Mat Jenner (TACO!) a...
05/02/2025

🚨 TOMORROW NIGHT! 🚨

Join us for the second session of The Guild programme, we’re thrilled to welcome Mat Jenner (TACO!) and Ben Urban (Flatland Projects) to for an evening of conversation on artist-led spaces, new models, and community knowledge.

💡 Mat Jenner .e.a.d.s.t.o.p is an artist, curator, and founder of TACO! () – a dynamic artist-led space in SE London that prioritises artistic practice, local engagement, and collaborative dialogue. His experience spans key roles at Studio Voltaire, Grand Union, Forma, and more.

💡 Ben Urban ( ) is a curator and cultural worker from Hastings, leading an arts organisation commissioning first institutional exhibitions and fostering artistic development. He also co-founded Beeching Road Studios, dedicated to artist production and career pathways.

🔥 Join us this Thursday, 6th Feb, at 6 PM for an exciting conversation about how artist-led becomes artist-focused

🎟 Limited spots! Book now via website
LINK FOR TIX: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-guild-what-is-an-artist-led-space-tickets-1106202785309?aff=oddtdtcreator

🎉 We are incredibly proud to announce that we have been awarded a £42,000 grant over two years from The National Lottery...
04/02/2025

🎉 We are incredibly proud to announce that we have been awarded a £42,000 grant over two years from The National Lottery Heritage Fund The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support our exciting partnership with the Northamptonshire Black History Association (NBHA). 🙌

Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will enable us to digitally preserve and make accessible Northamptonshire’s Black History Archive, celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of the Black and migrant communities in the region. 📜✨

📍 The archive and NBHA will be housed at NN Contemporary Art's new home at 24 Guildhall Road, and we’ll recruit a dedicated project archivist to work with community volunteers. Together, we’ll digitise these invaluable materials and create a new online platform to expand public access and engagement! 🌍💻

Special thanks to Northamptonshire Community Foundation and Northampton Town Council for their generous support in making this possible.

📸 Image Credits: “Pictures of Godfrey Salem’s Family,” from the education pack documenting the lives of families in Northampton who are of Asian and African heritage, courtesy of Northamptonshire Black History Association Archives.

Stay tuned for updates as we bring this transformative project to life!

🌟 Huge thanks to everyone who joined us last week for Introducing The Guild with Simon Wright & Giles Round!It was incre...
28/01/2025

🌟 Huge thanks to everyone who joined us last week for Introducing The Guild with Simon Wright & Giles Round!

It was incredible to share the new spaces at NNCA and spark conversations with artists and community groups in Northampton. Simon Wright (Programmes Producer) and Giles Round (artist & designer of The Northampton Rooms) led inspiring discussions on generating new programmes for artist-led spaces and how a collective like The Guild can drive creative and cultural regeneration.

This event marked a key milestone in opening up 24 Guildhall Road and exploring how community-led initiatives will shape new designs and commissions to activate its potential. It was truly inspiring—thank you all for being part of it! A great start to the year, and we can't wait for what’s next.

📅 Missed the session? Join us for the next Guild event on Feb 6, 5:30–7:30 PM, featuring Mat Jenner () & Ben Urban (). Together, we’ll explore artist-led spaces and the civic role of artists in shaping new models and community knowledge.

🎟️ Book your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-guild-what-is-an-artist-led-space-tickets-1106202785309?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔹 Mat Jenner is an artist, curator, and founder of TACO!, an artist-led space in SE London engaging with local contexts, centering artist practices, and fostering community dialogue. He has also held leadership roles at Studio Voltaire, Forma, Grand Union, and SPACE.

🔹 Ben Urban is a curator and cultural worker from Hastings, Director & Co-founder of Flatland Projects, and a lead in Beeching Road Studios, a new facility for artistic production and career development in East Sussex. His research focuses on disability access in cultural spaces.

🎨✨EVENT REMINDER FOR TONIGHT 22/01 ✨🎨Join Associate Creative Producer Simon Wright and Lead Artist Giles Round this even...
22/01/2025

🎨✨EVENT REMINDER FOR TONIGHT 22/01 ✨🎨

Join Associate Creative Producer Simon Wright and Lead Artist Giles Round this evening (5:30–7:30 PM) at 24 Guildhall Road for an inspiring Introduction to The Guild programme!

What’s The Guild?

It’s a groundbreaking initiative bringing artists and local communities together to collaborate with NN Contemporary Art in shaping the future of The Northampton Rooms. Be part of this exciting movement where creativity meets community!

🎟️ FREE Entry: Secure your place now 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introducing-the-guild-giles-round-simon-wright-tickets-1106186637009?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 Where? 24 Guildhall Road, Northampton
📅 When? Tomorrow, 5:30–7:30 PM

Let’s reimagine what Contemporary Art & Community means for Northampton!

Photo Credit: Giles Round, Simon Wright & Hoffman by

🎨✨EVENT REMINDER FOR TOMORROW 22/01 ✨🎨Join Associate Creative Producer Simon Wright and Lead Artist Giles Round TOMORROW...
21/01/2025

🎨✨EVENT REMINDER FOR TOMORROW 22/01 ✨🎨

Join Associate Creative Producer Simon Wright and Lead Artist Giles Round TOMORROW evening (5:30–7:30 PM) at 24 Guildhall Road for an inspiring Introduction to The Guild programme!

What’s The Guild?

It’s a groundbreaking initiative bringing artists and local communities together to collaborate with NN Contemporary Art in shaping the future of The Northampton Rooms. Be part of this exciting movement where creativity meets community!

🎟️ FREE Entry: Secure your place now 👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introducing-the-guild-giles-round-simon-wright-tickets-1106186637009?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 Where? 24 Guildhall Road, Northampton
📅 When? Tomorrow, 5:30–7:30 PM

Let’s reimagine what’s possible together! 🎉

We're excited to announce our new public programme, 'The Guild'. A new initiative that invites artists and local communi...
11/12/2024

We're excited to announce our new public programme, 'The Guild'.

A new initiative that invites artists and local communities to collaborate with NNCA in shaping future programmes for The Northampton Rooms, a new experimental space designed by artist Giles Round at 24 Guildhall Road.

Through The Guild, NNCA will begin activating the new spaces to reopen 24 Guildhall Road via a series of 'open research' sessions that foreground artist-led initiatives, art practices, and establishing a new institution for Art and Community Knowledge.

This initial phase of Guild events will include cooking demonstrations (and eating together); presentations on new institutional models, artist-led broadcasting, and creative skills surgeries; maker markets, performances, conferences, and screenings from guest artists, curators, and speakers.

Highlighting some of the current artist-led practices and interventions in communities and institutions nationwide, these sessions aim to initiate dialogue with our community to explore key questions to create a new artist-led agenda for Northampton.

Starting with a festive Artists & Makers Market on Friday, 13th of Dec, developed in collaboration with NN Associates, featuring locally made goods, DJ sets, talks, and food stalls. This event will begin a regular programming calendar to spotlight artist-led practices and bring attention to emerging creative voices.

On the 22nd of January, Giles Round & Simon Wright will host an introductory session to The Northampton Rooms and The Guild Programme. To book a free ticket to this event, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1106186637009?aff=oddtdtcreator

For further details on the programme, visit:

Join us for the first NN Nights Christmas Artist & Makers Market!🗓️ When: Friday 13 December⏰ Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM📍 W...
26/11/2024

Join us for the first NN Nights Christmas Artist & Makers Market!

🗓️ When: Friday 13 December
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Unit 9, Vulcan Works, Fetter Street, NN1 1DN

Discover original artworks, limited editions, ceramics, textiles, publications, festive gifts and more. Developed in collaboration with our Associates, it's a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts and support artists and makers from Northampton and beyond!

Artists & Stallholders include:

, , , Catherine Jarman, Ciara Callaghan, , , Daniele Marzeddu, .ayling.illustration, , Joss Whittle, , , , , , .books, .xyz, , Studio Lawn, ,, , and more.

Alongside the stalls, there will be DJ sets, Talks, and Festive Food & Drink. Looking forward to see you there!

12/11/2024

🎉 Calling all Artists & Makers! 🎉

In collaboration with our Associates, we're thrilled to announce the very first NN Nights Christmas Artist & Makers Market 🎄✨— and we want you to be part of it! Join us on December 13th, 4-8pm for an evening of art, craft, talks, DJ sets, and festive food & drink.

Whether you create artworks, zines, hand-crafted goods, or mouth-watering treats, we’d love to hear from you.

What We’re Looking For:

🖼️ Artworks & Limited Editions
📚 Zines & Publications
👐 Ceramics, Textiles, Jewellery, and other handmade goods
🍫 Artisanal Food & Drink

How to Apply:
🗓️ Deadline: 19th November
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Send us a short bio, photos of your work, links to your website or social media, and any questions.
💷 £25 per table—spaces are limited!

🎨 Announcing CVAN EM Bursaries for Northamptonshire Artist 🎨Fantastic opportunity for artists or arts workers based in N...
15/10/2024

🎨 Announcing CVAN EM Bursaries for Northamptonshire Artist 🎨
Fantastic opportunity for artists or arts workers based in Northamptonshire?

✨ This is your chance to apply for a £1,500 bursary to support your practice or ambitious creative project.

🗓 Deadline: Wednesday 4 December 2024, 11pm

📅 Responses: Wednesday 18 December 2024, 5pm

As part of the CVAN EM Bursaries Scheme, this round will award one £1,500 bursary to a creative based in Northamptonshire, providing support for R&D, production, skill development, studio rent, and more!

⚡️ What can be funded?
* Research & Development
* Production/Fabrication
* Mentoring & Skill Development
* Studio rent
* Workshops & Community Engagement
* Equipment & Access Support
*
💡 Eligibility:
* Artists/arts workers living or based in Northamptonshire
* Must focus on contemporary visual arts
* Open to individuals, collectives, and PhD candidates
* Bursary recipients will also receive 1-2-1 mentoring with CVAN EM’s Regional Director. 🌟

🔗 For more details and to download the application pack, visit the link in our bio.

Questions? Email 📧 [email protected]

Project Space Exhibition: Jack Savage, Painting in a Fury3-4 October, NNCA Project Space @ Vulcan WorksOpening event: 3r...
26/09/2024

Project Space Exhibition: Jack Savage, Painting in a Fury
3-4 October, NNCA Project Space @ Vulcan Works
Opening event: 3rd October, 6-8pm. All Welcome.

Born in Northampton, Jack Savage is a fine art photographer, mixed media artist, and gallery owner. He studied at Nottingham University and holds an MA in American Studies and Film. Winner of numerous international photography awards, he produces artworks combining studio portraiture, photo collage, surreal landscapes, street photography, mixed media, artificial intelligence, and digital psychedelic creations he labels as "his unconscious soul".

NN & UofN Professional Development Award 2024We’re thrilled to invite you to the final Professional Development Residenc...
24/09/2024

NN & UofN Professional Development Award 2024

We’re thrilled to invite you to the final Professional Development Residency Opening Event on 26 September, 6-8pm!

🌟 Reclaiming Eden: Q***r Power and Love by Rhys Thirtle

Rhys is a contemporary photographer whose work delves into the intricate intersections of identity, expression, and q***r culture. A graduate of the University of Northampton, Rhys's photography often explores themes of LGBT+ experiences, challenging conventional norms and inviting viewers to contemplate diverse meanings of identity and acceptance. His projects, such as those featured on Obsessionism Photography, are known for their evocative storytelling, which engages the audience and leaves them intrigued, bridging past, present, and future to foster dialogue and understanding in a society grappling with notions of gender, sexuality, and belonging. 🌈✨

📍 Opening Event: 26 September, 6-8pm�🗓️ Public Viewing: 24-27 September, 11am-5pm

The PDRA, a partnership activity with the University of Northampton, supports recent UofN graduates by enhancing employability through skills development and networking opportunities with NNCA, an ACE-accredited NPO. Participants gain experience exhibiting their work, receiving feedback, and mentoring. Each week-long residency includes a materials budget and a public reception event at NNCA's project space in Northampton

***rArt ArtExhibition

📢 Join us for Freya Ayling's PDRA (Professional Development Residency Award) open studio event🗓 Date: Thursday, 19th Sep...
17/09/2024

📢 Join us for Freya Ayling's PDRA (Professional Development Residency Award) open studio event
🗓 Date: Thursday, 19th September
⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: NNCA Project Space, Vulcan Works
Image credit: Heron (2024), Freya Ayling

🎨 We're thrilled to announce the next open studio event as part of the Professional Development Residency Awards 2024!

Ayling graduated from BA Illustration at the University of Northampton, and utilises a variety of mediums - including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture - to explore the strange yet beautiful aspects of nature and the natural sciences. During her residency, Freya has produced a new series of linocut prints which will be presented alongside other recent work. We can't wait to see you there!

The PDRA, a partnership activity with the University of Northampton, supports recent UofN graduates by enhancing employability through skills development and networking opportunities with NNCA, an ACE-accredited NPO. Participants gain experience exhibiting their work, receiving feedback, and mentoring. Each week-long residency includes a materials budget and a public reception event at NNCA's project space in Northampton.

📢 Join us for Melissa Stewart  and Kinga Kulczyc PDRA (Professional Development Residency Award) open studio event🗓 Date...
04/09/2024

📢 Join us for Melissa Stewart and Kinga Kulczyc PDRA (Professional Development Residency Award) open studio event

🗓 Date: Thursday, 5th September
�⏰ Time: 6-8 PM
📍 Location: NNCA Project Space, Vulcan Works

Image credits: Melissa Stewart ‘Transition’ (2024) Kinga Kulczyc ‘Untitled’ (2024)

🎨 We're thrilled to announce the upcoming open event featuring Melissa Stewart as part of the Professional Development Residency Awards 2024! Both artists will be showcasing their recent artworks as part of their duo presentation, exploring themes of transience, residue, and record. Kinga was also the joint winner of the 2024 NN Prize with Miami Mashigo

Melissa and Kinga recently graduated as Fine Art students at the University of Northampton, and are navigating the challenging transition from education to professional practice in the cultural sector. This award provides them with a vital opportunity to refine their exhibition-related skills, network, and grow as emerging artists.

Their collaborative work draws on shared visual and conceptual themes, creating a cohesive and thought-provoking presentation that reflects their journey as artists.

Come support the artists and experience their unique exploration of relationships between body and space. We can't wait to see you there!

The PDRA, a partnership activity with the University of Northampton, supports recent UofN graduates by enhancing employability through skills development and networking opportunities with NNCA, an ACE-accredited NPO. Participants gain experience exhibiting their work, receiving feedback, and mentoring. Each week-long residency includes a materials budget and a public reception event at NNCA's project space in Northampton

🌟 Thank You for an Incredible NNights! 🌟A huge thank you to everyone who attended the inaugural NNights event on Friday,...
20/08/2024

🌟 Thank You for an Incredible NNights! 🌟

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the inaugural NNights event on Friday, initiated by NN Associates and brilliantly produced by Simon Wright! 🎉

Over 500 of you joined us for a night of unforgettable exhibitions and performances across the town!

We are so grateful to our incredible partners and talented artists who made this event possible. Your creativity and collaboration truly brought the town to life.

NN Associates was supported by to design and deliver the event, and the event was sponsored by & . Parnter venues included and the

Solo presentations, exhibitions and performances included /A art collective, Bill Pollard, .p & .woolley &

The art trail & Map was curated by .xyz, featuring with over 75 artwoeks brought to the town for the event - link in bio for full map/ website

We can't wait to do more of these! If you attended, drop a comment and let us know what you thought—we’d love to hear from you.

📸 Photos captured by Chris Henley.



We can't wait to do more of these! If you attended, drop a comment and let us know what you thought—we’d love to hear from you. 📸 Photos captured by the talented Chris Henley.

12/08/2024

🌟 NNCA Welcomes Our New Trustees! 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome our newest trustees to the NNCA family! Each brings a wealth of experience and passion for the arts. 🎨

Oliver Evans
🎓 Grew up in Northampton, and studied at the University of Northampton, Goldsmiths College, and the Slade School of Fine Art in London.
💼 Currently Senior Director at Maureen Paley, overseeing exhibitions and artist development.
🌱 Active in the arts and sustainability, serving on the Board of Directors at DACS and as a researcher for the Gallery Climate Coalition also a Trustee at the Showroom

Amy Emmerson Martin
🎓 Grew up in Northamptonshire and holds a BA and MA from The Courtauld Institute of Art, London.
💼 Assistant Curator of Contemporary British Art at Tate Britain.
✨ Recent projects include Art Now: Steph Huang: See, See, Sea and curating for the 2024 Turner Prize.
🖼 Assists with Tate’s Frieze Fund, contributing to the acquisition of significant works.

Colette Griffin
🎓 Based in Nottingham, works across the Midlands.
💼 Newly appointed Director of New Art West Midlands (NAWM), part of the CVAN national network.
🎨 Former Artist Development Curator at Primary and director of New Midland Group.
📢 Advocate for policy changes in the visual arts.

Join us in celebrating and welcoming Oliver, Amy, and Colette to NNCA
🎉

🌿🍴 Exciting day at the Food Library in Northampton! An award-winning modern food business emphasising sustainability, Th...
23/07/2024

🌿🍴 Exciting day at the Food Library in Northampton! An award-winning modern food business emphasising sustainability, The Food Library offers year-round workshops, events, and dining focused on home growing, cooking, and wild foods, including the Workshop for Sustainability.

As part of our ongoing research for the Northampton Rooms Project, we dove into the rich world of local foraging, supper clubs, and community gatherings focused on food and sustainability. Big thanks to Michael for hosting us and for the delicious beetroot risotto! 😋

We’re thrilled to collaborate in the future and encourage everyone to visit the Food Library to learn more about these amazing initiatives. 🌱

Are you part of a group interested in local food sustainability and politics? We’d love to hear from you! There’s an opportunity to collaborate on our new community kitchen venture at 24 Guildhall Road. ✨

Address

24 Guildhall Road, Block D
Northampton
NN11EW

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