BACKLIT

St Ann's, Nottingham, England

Client - BACKLIT

Former Victorian factory provides home for independent art gallery and studios

Located in Nottingham, Alfred House is a former Victorian factory with links to the anti-slavery and education pioneer Samuel Morley. For the past 9 years BACKLIT has occupied the building on a lease from Nottingham City Council, using the building as an artist-led creative space. In 2020 they were given the opportunity to explore the possibilities to purchase the building and with this aim came to the AHF to see what financial support was available to inform this decision, assist their case and to secure their future.

The building, located in a socio-economically challenged neighbourhood, is seen as a hub for social activism, inclusion, creative development and a space for the community to exhibit. Within the building, BACKLIT provide affordable studio and exhibition space for contemporary artists, supporting early-career graduates and emerging artists. The organisation is well known for its lively public programme of exhibitions, artist commissions, screenings and live debates and supports projects that promote community and local heritage.

The AHF found synergy with BACKLIT’s vision and was happy to play a part in its plans by providing a grant towards a Project Viability Study. As negotiations with the Council progressed, BACKLIT later required further financial support to employ a property agent, solicitor and fundraising consultant. AHF provided a Project Development Grant towards this work and in June 2021 helped facilitate a visit from Baroness Barran, the Minister for Civil Society, as part of Volunteers’ Week 2021. With support from the AHF, BACKLIT are driving the project forward, exploring all options to give the Council confidence in their ability to raise funds to take ownership of the building.

https://backlit.org.uk/

About BACKLIT

BACKLIT is an artist-led contemporary art gallery funded by Arts Council England. It supports emerging artists, local businesses and talent development with affordable studio space and stages a public programme of exhibitions, artist commissions, screenings and live debates. BACKLIT works with regional universities, galleries and supports projects that promote community and local heritage.

AHF funding

Project Viability Grant - £8,880 (2020)

Project Development Grant - £6,480 (2021)

These grants were made possible through the Historic Assets moving into Community Ownership programmed, funded by Historic England.

September 2021

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