Contemporary
Visual Arts Network
East Midlands

Celebrating and Supporting Visual Arts in the East Midlands

Contemporary
Visual Arts Network
East Midlands

Celebrating and Supporting Visual Arts in the East Midlands

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It Takes A Region to Raise An Artist

Our research into the region’s visual arts ecology and economy has now been published.

Our regional events, where we have been sharing the research, have been cancelled due to situation with COVID-19. The presentation of the findings and recommendations, that we were giving to attendees, is available here.

Here’s a list of COVID-19-related resources, guidance and commentary.

It Takes A Region to Raise An Artist

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Firstly, thank you to CVAN EM for respecting my ...

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Firstly, thank you to CVAN EM for respecting my ch Firstly, thank you to CVAN EM for respecting my choice not to post on #BlackOutTuesday. I had prepared some images last week for this IG takeover focussed on New Art Exchange’s forthcoming exhibitions. However, the devastating events in the US over recent weeks and the light this shines on ongoing societal disparity and racism across the globe called for a re-edit. We stand in solidarity with George Floyd’s family and those protesting in the US. However, we must not forget that discrimination is not that different on this side of the Atlantic or ignore that severe racial inequalities and brutalities against black and minority communities continue to take place here in the UK. As such, I dedicate my posts this week to a selection of NAE artists past and present who speak of these truths and use their platform to educate, advocate and activate. Is it okay to be black? by Hurvin Anderson was co-commissioned by NAE and the Arts Council Collection for Hurvin’s solo exhibition, Dub Versions, staged at NAE in 2016. The piece later featured as part of Hurvin’s 2017 Turner Prize nomination and exhibition. In Is it OK to be black? Anderson subverts the gaze of the viewer, placing us in the role of sitter, confronted by more or less abstracted images of key figures in black history including Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey. The title of the work poses a clear question, interrogating the viewer, who can no longer remain a passive voyeur, and implicating them in the complexity of race relations, cultural history and notions of ‘otherness’. Hurvin Anderson, Is it okay to be black? 2015, 130 x 100cm, acrylic on canvas. A 70th Anniversary Commission for the Arts Council Collection with New Art Exchange, Nottingham and Thomas Dane Gallery, London. © the artist. #BlackLivesMatter @new_art_exchange @hurvinanderson @artscouncilcollection @thomasdanegallery @melanielkidd

Featured Events and Exhibitions view and add events

Workshop
Isolated Moments
20th March 2020 – 30th September 2020
Fermynwoods Contemporary Art, Northants
Exhibition
Take Part – The Mass Isolation Project
25th March 2020 – 25th March 2021
@massisolation/FORMAT International Photography Festival, Derbyshire
Workshop
Isolation Art Mail
19th April 2020 – 31st August 2020
Tracey Meek, Derbyshire
Screening
No Jobs in the Arts #3
30th April 2020 – 1st September 2020
No Jobs in the Arts, Nottinghamshire
Exhibition
The Indifferent Wonder of an Edible Place
30th April 2020 – 31st December 2020
Phoenix Leicester, Leicestershire
Exhibition
Downtime
30th April 2020 – 31st December 2020
Phoenix Leicester, Leicestershire
Exhibition
The Idle Index
30th April 2020 – 31st December 2020
Phoenix Leicester, Leicestershire
Screening
WORK Online Screening
1st May 2020 – 31st December 2020
Fermynwoods Contemporary Art, Northants

Meet the Artist: Ruth Singer

Meet the Artist: Ruth Singer

Ruth Singer is an artist-maker with 15 years professional experience and a previous career in museums. Her work comprises exhibitions, projects and residencies as well as collaborations and commissions, mainly working in textile with print, mixed media and installation work. She often works within a heritage context and draws heavily on a previous career in… Read more

Curating the East Midlands: Melanie Kidd

Curating the East Midlands: Melanie Kidd

Melanie Kidd is an arts professional working across fine art, design and contemporary craft and specialising in exhibition curation, commissioning and production, audience development strategy and socially engaged practice. She is currently Director of Programmes at New Art Exchange, Nottingham – an arts organisation dedicated to culturally diverse artists, audiences and perspectives – where she… Read more