As we step into 2026, I invite you to join us at New Art Exchange as we continue to shape culture together from the heart of Hyson Green, rooted in community and resonating far beyond.
This season is anchored by Our Yard: Foundations, a powerful mixed reality exhibition celebrating the enduring impact of Caribbean migration on life in the UK, told through the lens of Sound System culture. From the early arrivals of the 1960s to the rhythms that continue to echo today, the exhibition brings together newly commissioned work, archives, personal testimonies and music to honour resistance, joy and collective memory. It is a tribute to the communities who carved space, turned up the volume and shaped Nottingham’s cultural landscape.
Across the season, this spirit continues through an expansive public programme of screenings, conversations, workshops and live events. From explorations of Black British cinema and poetry inspired by Linton Kwesi Johnson, to celebrations of reggae, dancehall and local sound system legacies, each moment invites us to listen more closely to histories that are lived, felt and shared.
This season also marks the launch of BRIDGE, our new international residency programme connecting Global Ethnic
GALLERY & CORNER
OPENING TIMES
Tue - Sat 10am - 4pm
Closed Sun & Mon
Closed Bank Holidays
www.nae.org.uk
0115 924 8630
info@nae.org.uk
Majority artists in the UK with leading creative hubs in Seoul, Bangkok and Helsinki. BRIDGE offers artists the time, space and support to develop new work across borders and disciplines, beginning abroad and returning to NAE to ground their practice within our neighbourhood. It is a bold step in expanding the reach of our local-to-global vision and a statement of intent about the kind of creative leadership and exchange we want to build for the future.
Meanwhile, our community and talent development work continues to centre everyday creativity, care and collaboration. From Reside to Shared Plates and the Nottz Garden Project, we are exploring food, storytelling, growing spaces and creative learning as vital cultural acts. We are also opening new doors for the next generation of curators through our Midlands open call.
At NAE, we believe culture is not static. It is something made collectively, shaped by movement, memory and the courage to imagine differently. This season reminds us that cultural spaces can be places of truth, celebration and transformation. So let’s keep building together
Saad-Eddine Said CEO and Artistic Director
OUR YARD: FOUNDATIONS
21 FEBRUARY 2026 - 2 MAY 2026
MAIN GALLERY
Our Yard: Foundations is a mixed-reality experience that explores the ongoing celebration of the positive impact of immigration on the UK, told through the lens of Sound System Culture, finding joy in defiance, in community, and in music –from community halls to pirate radio buzzing through living-room walls.
This exhibition focuses on the early migration of individuals from the Caribbean in the 1960s and how they forged their paths and left their mark through sound, style, and community during the 1970s, 1980s, and to this day.
The exhibition uses newly commissioned work, archival footage, personal testimonies and a stirring soundtrack to recreate a momentous era for Caribbean communities in the UK – and particularly in Nottingham.
ABOUT MIMM:
It takes us back to a time when communities carved out new space in society, soundtracked their resistance against oppression, and stood up to the usual rhetoric– not in silence but in celebration.
Brought to you by Our Yard, a project from Mimm, a Nottingham-based creative studio and collective rooted in Caribbean heritage, music, and culture, this project highlights the stories and spaces that have shaped generations.
Foundations is a tribute to the power of collective memory as a force against racism and erasure. For anyone who’s ever felt unheard – and turned the volume up anyway, whether you lived it, or it’s the first time you’re hearing it – this is your invitation in. A story of resistance through rhythm, told in a way that feels close, urgent, and alive.
COME FOR THE BASS. STAY FOR THE TRUTH.
Founded in 2011, Mimm (Music Is My Motive) is a creative community based in the UK where people come together through their shared passion for music, fashion and art with a focus on our Caribbean roots.
As Mimm stands today, they have evolved into a creative studio and open collaborative
space where they believe everyone can create and elevate when we collaborate. Music is a massive source of inspiration and the driving force behind the brand. Standing with creatives, artists, and musicians, believing they are all essential to a healthy community.
OUR YARD FOUNDATIONS EXHIBITION LAUNCH
FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY FROM 6PM
Join us as we open Our Yard Foundations, a vibrant exhibition exploring the positive impact of immigration through celebrating the roots, impact, and evolution of Sound System culture. Explore archival stories, iconic moments, and the people who shaped a movement in Nottingham and beyond.
ALL AGES WELCOME | FREE
LINTON KWESI JOHNSON’S
DREAD BEAT & BLOOD
FILM SCREENING
SATURDAY 14 MARCH
6PM–7PM
A special screening of Dread Beat & Blood, the seminal film exploring the life, work and political fire of Linton Kwesi Johnson. Through poetry, activism and sound, the film o ers a powerful portrait of Black British resistance and cultural expression in the 1970s.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
POETS OFF THE ENDZ
SATURDAY 14 MARCH
7PM - LATE
Following the screening of Dread Beat & Blood, Jah Digga’s brilliant collective Poets O The Endz respond with live spoken-word performances inspired by the themes of the film. Expect sharp lyricism, reflections and contemporary voices carrying forward the spirit of LKJ’s vision.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
BUILD BEATS
SATURDAY 21 MARCH 5PM–11PM
A hands-on free workshop and creative session inviting participants to explore rhythm, production, and the art of beatmaking in a collaborative environment. Build Beats is a project that brings together Nottingham’s Music Producer community.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
NIGHTMARES ON WAX & NATE COLTRANE:
IN CONVERSATION
SATURDAY 28 MARCH TBC
Join us as ‘Our Yard’ founder, Nate Coltrane, hosts an in-depth conversation with Nightmares On Wax exploring his influential musical journey, from early inspirations to decades of innovation. Also exploring Echo 45, his latest release, shaped by and dedicated to Sound System culture, o ering insight into how these foundations continue to drive his creative evolution.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
GREENSLEEVES HIFI TAKEOVER
THURSDAY 2 APRIL
7PM–LATE
Celebrating the legacy of Greensleeves Records, the iconic UK reggae and dancehall label that helped bring artists like Barrington Levy, Yellowman and Dr. Alimantado to global audiences. Expect a journey through classic riddims, rare cuts and timeless anthems as Greensleeves HiFi takes over the space, honouring one of the most influential imprints in Sound System history.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
BABYLON FILM SCREENING
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
6PM–8PM
A landmark of Black British cinema, Babylon (1980) follows the story of Blue, a young reggae DJ navigating the pressures of racism, policing and everyday survival in South London. Directed by Franco Rosso and featuring a legendary soundtrack led by Dennis Bovell, the film captures the tension, creativity and cultural power of the Sound System scene at a pivotal moment in UK history. Raw, urgent and still strikingly relevant, Babylon remains a defining portrait of resistance and community.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
V ROCKET INTERNATIONAL:
A SOUND SYSTEM DYNASTY DOCUMENTARY
SATURDAY 2 MAY
5:30PM–7PM
Discover the story of V Rocket International, one of the UK’s most influential and longest-running Sound Systems. Originating in Nottingham in the 1960s and rising to international acclaim, V Rocket helped define the sound, energy and identity of British reggae culture. This documentary traces their journey from community dances to global stages, spotlighting the selectors, MCs, and loyal supporters who built a legacy still felt today. A powerful tribute to local Nottingham history, Sound System innovation and the generations that carried the fire forward.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
OUR YARD FOUNDATIONS EXHIBITION CLOSING PARTY
WITH V ROCKET INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY 2 MAY 7PM–LATE
After the screen, we close the Our Yard Foundations exhibition with a vibrant celebration featuring V Rocket International & the Our Yard crew honouring community, culture, and the Sound System legacy.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
ART CLUB WITH ZIROZIRO
SATURDAY 2 MAY 3PM-5:30PM
Another open creative workshop inviting all to explore artmaking in a friendly, accessible environment inspired by Caribbean Culture.…
ALL WELCOME | FREE
SATURDAY ART CLUB 21 FEB, 14 MARCH, 28 MARCH, 11 APRIL, 2 MAY 10:30AM–12:30PM
SATURDAY ART CLUB IS BACK!
Join us for free, drop-in workshops packed with hands-on fun, imagination, and playful discovery. Led by amazing Creative Facilitators, each session o ers brandnew activities to try, so no two sessions are ever the same!
Whether you come to make, explore, or simply have fun together, it’s the perfect way for families to get creative and start the weekend with a smile.
FREE and open to those aged 4-12 and their families; come along and try a session.
YOUNIQUE FESTIVAL ‘26
4 - 7 MARCH 2026
A new year, a new Collective, a new festival! This year’s YOUnique Collective has been hard at work planning a fantastic festival looking to UPLIFT, EMPOWER and create UNITY. You can expect music, creative workshops, inspiring talks and a fashion show like no other. Save the dates, more details soon.
IN THE MAKING: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY
SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 12PM-5PM
Are you an emerging artist, creative entrepreneur, or aspiring creative at the start of your journey? Join us for a one-day networking and development event designed to support early-career creatives. Led by the women of NAE, the day includes interactive workshops on branding, personal development, and turning ideas into projects, alongside open discussions and opportunities to connect with others in the creative sector. Gain practical guidance, honest insights, and tools to build confidence, develop your ideas, and take your first steps toward a sustainable creative career - or simply figure out where to start. You’ll also discover more about NAE’s ways of working and the opportunities available within the organisation.
AGES 18+ | FREE
Image credit: Tom Morley
Image credit: Tom Morley
SIP & PAINT WITH KIM THOMPSON
25 FEB, 25 MARCH, 29 APRIL, 5:30PM–7:30PM
Join award-winning illustrator and painter, Kim Thompson, in this monthly event series. You will receive tips, tricks and step-by-step guidance to create your own contemporary paintings with the best, budget-friendly materials. Produce a new painting each month, and build the confidence to continue painting at home! All materials provided, all abilities welcome!
ALL WELCOME | £15 PER SESSION
SANTHANTHA NGUYEN
6 JANUARY - 7 MARCH 26
Santhantha plans to focus on experimentation and the creative process itself, rather than the outcome. Her practice explores how personal and collective histories shape our sense of self and emotional understanding. Building on this, Nguyen is interested in how consumerism, mass media, and societal ideals influence identity in contemporary life. Since the post-war years, these forces have increasingly
defined how people perceive themselves and others, often replacing shared traditions and cultural values with constructed images of modern living. Through this residency, Nguyen wants to explore the emotional layers within this shift. This time will allow her to discover new connections between ongoing themes and the evolving notion of identity within a media-driven world.
Image credit: Tom Morley
GAYLENE GOULD
10 MARCH - 9 APRIL 2026
Gaylene Gould is a socially engaged artist who works with Global Majority communities to amplify their collective wisdom. Using sensitive facilitation skills, she creates intimate settings to draw out lived experiences and transform that wisdom through collage-based objects, rituals, and emotionally connecting experiences. The aim is to help communities explore cultural histories that could heal how we relate to ourselves and each other. Her projects have been commissioned by the Tate, V&A, Clore Leadership, Wellcome Collection, BAM (NY), Vivid and Durham University, and take place where people live, work and play, such as shopping centres, streets, gardens and galleries. Through Reside, she will begin developing a new collaborative project based on the humble Breadfruit.
The 4000-year migration of the Breadfruit from Taiwan to the Pacific Islands and then to the Caribbean (carried there by the British as a food source for enslaved Africans) highlights the long, entangled history of human migration and plant life. This project will trace this global journey by collaborating with migrant communities from the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands who have grown up eating the fruit through conversations, recipegathering, and cooking sessions.
The final project will celebrate these global stories through a dinner event for invited participants, served with specially designed dinnerware, tablescaping, and textiles. The residency will o er time and space to begin researching and testing the underpinning ideas.
TAKE ONE STUDIO:
THE AIR LAB SERIES: VOICES OF HYSON GREEN PODCAST SESSIONS
TAKE ONE STUDIO - GREGORY BOULEVARD
22 JANUARY, 29 JANUARY, 5 FEBRUARY, 12 FEBRUARY 6PM–8PM
Join the Voices of Hyson Green virtual podcast series as it delves into inspiring conversations, exploring community through the lens of lived experience. Be part of the live audience, take part in Q&A, and meet long-standing residents, artists, community workers, and neighbourhood champions sharing personal journeys and reflections on Hyson Green’s ever-evolving story. Each session unveils fresh insights into the culture, resilience, and rich history that define this remarkable community, sparking conversation and connection with the people who make Hyson Green a unique place to live, work, and create. Viewers can join the livestream and engage through live chat, where selected questions will be answered in real time by our guests, creating an interactive and engaging shared experience.
The project will culminate in a lively Community Celebration on 3 March from 6–8pm at New Art Exchange, bringing everyone together under one roof. Audiences will relive the journey of the project, supported by New Art Exchange, on the big screen, cheer for local talent as participants from the Singing and Logic Pro Music Production workshops receive their certificates. The day closes with a special live music performance bringing everyone together to celebrate voices, talent, and community.
Everyone is welcome to join us virtually, advisably aged 16 plus, via the Airdigital Studio YouTube Channel. Watch live by searching @airdigital_studio on Youtube. Join online to celebrate the diversity, rich history, and enduring spirit that continue to define Hyson Green today.
16+ | FREE
ART
YOUR WAY
JOIN ART YOUR WAY WINNERS, ART FEST NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTZ GARDEN PROJECT, FOR A CELEBRATION OF FOOD, ART, CULTURES, GARDENING, AND COMMUNITY. TWO UNIQUE FESTIVALS…
NOTTZ GARDEN PROJECT:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
5 FEBRUARY TO 25 APRIL
Join Nottz Garden Project for an exciting festival line up that invites local residents, artists and growers to connect through shared meals, creative workshops, exhibitions, film screening and conversations about food justice; culminating in a Garden reveal and celebration day on 25 April at Boulevard Garden, Hyson Green (11am – 6pm) with food, music, workshops, and performances.
From its Opening Day at NAE on 5th February (11am – 8pm), this community-led festival brings food, gardening, art and culture together to imagine a fairer, greener Hyson Green and transforms an underused
space into a vibrant hub of art, culture, and community spirit.
Get your hands dirty, share a taste of culture, and watch something amazing take root in the heart of Hyson Green.
Programme highlights: Pop-up Exhibition, Cooking Workshops, Creative Workshops, Gardening Workshops, Cooking, Demonstrations, Film Screening and Garden Reveal and Celebration Day.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
Illustration by Laura Decorum
ART FEST NOTTINGHAM:
SHARED PLATES
25 APRIL 2026 12PM–7PM
This free one-day food and arts festival, celebrating the cultures, cuisines and stories of Hyson Green, is your chance to savour diverse flavours, share stories, take part in a range of activities and meet your neighbours.
Rooted in the simple act of sharing food, the festival brings visitors together through communal meals, photography, music and creative workshops. It explores how food connects identity, migration and place, turning kitchens, cafés and public
spaces into sites of storytelling, exchange and belonging.
Join us at NAE on 25 April for: Food Tasting, Collaborative Mural Workshop, Screen Printing Workshop, Global Radio, Food Talks, Urban Foraging Walk, Photography Walk and Shared Places Photography Exhibition (on show until 2nd April 2026).
ALL WELCOME | FREE
Design by Benjamin Kay
APPLICATIONS OPEN 17 FEB DEADLINE 19 MARCH
We are inviting applications from emerging Global Ethnic Majority curators based in the Midlands who want to participate in a co-curated development and upskilling programme tailored to participants’ needs. This programme will launch in early Spring 2026. It will consist of a facilitated three-day in-person residency in Nottingham from 29 April – 1 May 2026, 2 online feedback sessions with our facilitating curator, a 2-day curatorial placement at New Art Exchange and a final pitching day where you will present an exhibition proposal. Eight places will be available for the programme, with a bursary for participants to cover any associated costs for travel, accommodation and expenses.
APPLICATIONS OPEN 26 FEB DEADLINE 2 APRIL
New Art Exchange (NAE) is launching BRIDGE, a new international residency programme connecting artists from the UK’s Global Ethnic Majority to world-class creative hubs in Seoul, Helsinki, Bangkok and Marrakech.
Four residencies will be offered for 2026–27, providing artists with up to one month abroad, followed by up to three weeks in residence at NAE. Developed with Print Bakery Gallery (Seoul), Helsinki International Artist Programme (Helsinki), Creative Migration (Bangkok) and ASLNES (Marrakech), BRIDGE offers time, space and support to develop new concepts and ideas across photography, writing, socially engaged practice and public art. Each residency includes accommodation, workspace, return flights and per diems.
ART YOUR WAY
APPLICATIONS OPEN 12 MARCH DEADLINE 16 APRIL
Art Your Way is back for 2026, inviting applications from socially engaged artists, creative practitioners, and community or grassroots organisations to deliver an engaging, community focussed, programme of exhibitions, festivals and workshops. We are seeking a wide range of proposals that demonstrate a commitment to exploring the things that matter most to our local communities, whatever that may be…
CREATIVE CORNER WITH WOOSUN CHOI
FRIDAY 6 FEBRUARY 6PM-9PM
Join WooSun for Creative Corner, a playful evening of world-building through paper art. You’ll sketch characters, cut them from paper, and craft a backdrop to bring your own imaginary world to life.
With My Neighbour Totoro setting the mood in the background, expect a cosy, creative atmosphere inspired by the magic of Studio Ghibli.
ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED, AGES 16+ TICKETS ARE £3 ON EVENTBRITE
Image credit: Tom Morley
Image credit: Tom Morley
VIOLET LOUNGE
FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY
7PM-LATE
Join us on Valentine’s Eve for a late-night R&B experience shaped by Violet Nights. Expect soulful live performances of your R&B favourites, DJ sets playing classic and modern R&B tunes, with pop-up stalls from local food traders and small businessesall in Violet Nights’ signature purple glow.
AGES 16+ | TICKET TBC
BRAZILIAN WINTER CARNIVAL
27 FEBRUARY 7PM-LATE
Escape the cold outside and immerse yourself in the warmth and energy of Brazilian Carnival!
Join us and let the music carry you away to the streets of Rio and beyond. Expect a fun-filled evening with lively rhythm, dazzling costumes, traditional food and don’t forget about Caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail.
Come and celebrate with us! Feel the rhythm, dance with joy, and immerse yourself in Brazil’s Carnival. It’s an evening full of fun, completely FREE.
ALL WELCOME | FREE
Image credit: Tom Morley
BAD BETTY LIVE
20 MARCH; 17 APRIL & 15 MAY 6PM-9PM
Join Bad Betty Press and us for an evening of poetry and music from local, national and international artists.
Bad Betty is an award-winning independent publisher of new poetry and curator of live literature events taking place across the UK. London-born, Nottingham-based, Bad Betty Press was set up in 2017 by Amy Acre and Jake Wild Hall to showcase exciting and risk-taking poetry, supporting poets’ artistic development and celebrating stories less often told. They believe strongly in art’s capacity to challenge its own definition, to curve away from the norm, making space for more varied voices.
AGES 16+ |
TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA BAD BETTY PRESS’ EVENTBRITE
FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIALS
+KIN PRESENTS ROOTED
FRIDAY 27 MARCH 7PM-LATE
Rooted is a party-meets-exhibition exploring what it means to be grounded in your identity amid global uncertainty.
Expect an evening of music, conversation, and unexpected art encounters curated by +kin, a cultural incubator and living archive spotlighting emerging creative voices from across the East Midlands.
+kin is the first archive and incubator of its kind in the region, capturing creative culture in real-time while fostering the next generation of talent in the East Midlands.
Rooted in fidelity, expression, and community, +kin documents and uplifts underrepresented creative voices through research-led storytelling, public programmes, and experimental cultural activations.
+18 ONLY | FREE
EXPERIENCE HONG KONG
FRIDAY 10 APRIL 6PM–LATE
Join us and Hong Kong Notts CIC for a vibrant celebration of Hong Kong culture. Enjoy an evening celebrating Hong Kong’s culture and community. Discover much-loved drinks and enjoy a taste of Hong Kong flavours, explore traditional clothing, and immerse yourself in activities that highlight the spirit of Hong Kong, including the crowd-favourite karaoke, to round o the night.
