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Celebrating 50 years of curating and creating contemporary art

Over the past five decades, we’ve showcased visual and performing arts from across the world, reflected in the ongoing work to establish our archive.

    John Newling exhibition 1991
    Opening night of John Newling, Lost, 1991. Image courtesy of John Newling and Bonington Gallery

    Bonington Gallery has been a significant part of the cultural landscape of Nottingham for half a century. Its diverse and ambitious artistic programme has consistently presented the forefront of creative practice and through this has gained a national reputation.

    The gallery is situated within the Bonington building, first opened on 14 October 1969 by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. This labyrinth of a modernist building is nestled in the heart of our City Campus and is home to a wide range of creative courses, providing a suitable context for an artistic programme that profiles a wide range of creative practice.

    Frank Stella exhibition 1999
    Installation view of Frank Stella Recent Paintings, 1999. Image courtesy of Frank Stella and Bonington Gallery

    It’s not just those studying creative subjects that can enjoy the gallery – it's free and open to everyone, attracting a wide audience of students, staff, local community, and national and international visitors.

    Over the past five decades, we’ve showcased the very best in visual and performing arts from across the world, reflected in the ongoing work to establish our archive. Past shows have included a solo exhibition from painter, sculptor and printmaker Frank Stella, a performance by visual experimental artist Carolee Schneemann, and work from a host of renowned artists including Sonia Boyce, Mona Hatoum and Lubaina Himid.

    The gallery is committed to making the next 50 years as memorable as the first, hosting four major exhibitions each year. Expect a stimulating and challenging programme that explores a diverse range of creative disciplines, supplemented by micro exhibitions (Bonington Vitrines), complementary talks, workshops, and screenings.

    Sign up to the Bonington Gallery mailing list to get the latest exhibitions and events straight to your mailbox.

    Published on 14 October 2019
    • Subject area: Art and design
    • Category: Current students; NTU Arts; School of Art & Design