OVERVIEW

Nottingham Trent University currently has two exhibition spaces, the Bonington Gallery, the major exhibition space housed in the School of Art and Design and the 1851 Gallery in another building which functions as both a gallery and a small project space. From the outset, it was the result of a political remit to improve the tastes of the nation and to compete with overseas trade in the design of manufactures. From those days to the present, the school has also played an active part in the exhibition and display of art and artifacts, events and conferences which advocate the role of art and design in society, and bring the latest in technology and cultureal advancement in the arts to the broader public as well as to its learning community.

Recent refurbishments to both buildings have created the potential for studios, corridors and communcal spaces to be adapted to both pratice and exhibition.

Bonington Gallery is located at the heart of the Bonington Building, the main building of the School of Art and Design. The building in turn is located just out of Nottingham City Centre, with good transport links.

NUMBER AND SIZE OF EXHIBITIONS

The Bonington Gallery is a large white cube space, measuring 16m x 12m with a height of 6m to the ceiling. The gallery is equipped with a theatre lighting system that allows it to display work in a very professional and evocative way. There are between 6 and 9 exhibitions in the main Bonington Gallery, and the same number in the 1851 Gallery at Waverley.

The typical yearly exhibition programme is shaping up as follows. This is the scheduling since the gallery lost its Arts Council RFO status:

Based on an academic term:

Sept - Oct: Making the Future, best of degree shows, inspirational exhibition for new students

Oct - Nov: Collaborative show with other organizations, 2007, MOMU (with Antwerp Fashion Museum), 2008, Scales of the Dragon (with Chung Ang University)

No - Dec: Solo exhibition from a member of staff, 2007, Terry Shave, 2008, Duncan Higgins

Jan - Feb: Opportunity for external shows, 2008, Stuart Simpson, ex PHD student, 2009, A Sense of Belonging

Feb - Mar: University Research Projects, 2008, Mirja Kaponon, (PHD), 2009, Haida Laing (Post-doctoral research)

Apr - May: Staff shows, 2008, Drawing Out, 2009, Craig Fisher

June: Degree Shows, 2007 - 2009, Textiles

July: MA Exposition

SPECIFIC FOCUS

There has been a shift away from performance art, and the gallery is showing more exhibitions related to other subject areas of the school, not just fine art, i.e. MOMU exhibition. Ultimately the space is a versatile multi-purpose space that can be used for nearly everything.

The gallery supports student work, both undergraduate and postgraduate, during degree shows. It also supports research active staff and partners from other institutions, local artists and international artists. The spaces are also used for performance based activities and other arts related events such as talks and seminars.

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION

Up until 2007 it was Arts Council funded, now it is run solely by the HEI.

There is a Gallery Curatorial Board, comprised of Senior Academics from different subjects, Kath Townsend (textiles), Derek Sprawson (Fine Art), Max Kandola (Photography), Matt Hawthorn (Theatre Design), the Gallery technician Geoff Litherland, and the Dean of the School, Ann Priest. Every term the committee meets to discuss exhibition proposals and to plan the gallery's strategic aims.

CURRENT NETWORKS AND COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

The Galleries at Nottingham Trent are placed within a large regional network of exhibition spaces, museums and media centres. We occasionalyly co-operate with commercial partners, and may plan to do so in the future, but would always do so with respect to the university's strategies for future growth and development.

Our International collaboraions through research and educational activities has allowed us to bring exhibitions and events of igh calibre from countries such as Japan, Korea, India, America, Flanders, The Netherlands and Germany.

RESEARCH AND FURTHER PROJECTS

Because of its legacy as Future Factory, the archive is mainly related to performance and live art, with an extensive collection of videos and catalogues.

ASPIRATIONS AND INTENTIONS FOR THE CHEAD GALLERY NETWORK

CONTACT

Terry Shave

Tel 01158 488 485
Email terry.shave@ntu.ac.uk