Everyone is an artist

Woman and girl play with pink fabric
Makers of Imaginary Worlds, Lamar Francois 2023

Since 1977, we’ve been breaking down barriers to reconnect people with art, culture and creativity. We stand up for people who are underrepresented in the arts. We see talent where it has been overlooked and undervalued. Anywhere can be your studio, your gallery, your stage. At City Arts, we believe you are an artist. 

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Woman and girl play with pink fabric
Makers of Imaginary Worlds, Lamar Francois 2023

Featured

Exterior photograph of Alfred House, a large red-brick industrial building with rows of tall arched windows, located on Ashley Street in Nottingham. A blue sign above the door reads ‘ALFRED HOUSE’, with the BACKLIT logo mounted above. Cars are parked along the street beside the building under a clear blue sky.

News

City Arts moves into BACKLIT

Following 12 years based in Hockley, City Arts is moving its office into BACKLIT. BACKLIT is a cultural hub dedicated to heritage, placemaking, and contemporary artistic practice. Their community unites…

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What's on

Family Friendly

Hoopla! in Aspley

Date of event: 11 Aug 2026 Event start time: 10:00am - Event end time: 2:30pm

Venue Address: Melbourne Park, Melbourne Road, Nottingham, NG8 5HJ

Hoopla! is a free, family-friendly, outdoor mini-festival for children aged 0–4. Join us for a day of puppetry, music, play, performance and art. Explore, discover and have fun in Melbourne…

Book Now: 'Hoopla! in Aspley' View event: 'Hoopla! in Aspley'

Family Friendly

Hoopla! in Bulwell

Date of event: 13 Aug 2026 Event start time: 10:00am - Event end time: 2:30pm

Venue Address: Bulwell Forest Garden, Austin Street, Nottingham, NG6 9HE

Hoopla! is a free, family-friendly, outdoor mini-festival for children aged 0–4. Join us for a day of puppetry, music, play, performance and art. Explore, discover and have fun in Bulwell…

Book Now: 'Hoopla! in Bulwell' View event: 'Hoopla! in Bulwell'
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Projects

Get Creative participant, artist and volunteer

Find out more: Get Creative

Project dates: Since November 2011

Audience watches performer with stag puppet. Text reads 'Hoopla - a mini festival of ages 0-4'.

Find out more: Hoopla!

Project dates: Since July 2022

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Our Impact

Gemma Poyzer stands smiling in front of a white curtain at an exhibition. She wears a striped blazer over a black top. Beside her on an easel is a framed portrait photograph of a woman seated in a softly lit domestic setting.
Gemma Poyzer at City Arts, Lamar Francois 2024

Case Study

This was my first entrance into the art world… It helped me to feel like an artist, to feel inspired and motivated.

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Key Stats April 2024 - March 2025

61k Exhibition audiences for the Window Gallery

43% of audience members had not been to an arts event in the last year

1 in 6 Hoopla! participants lived in the most deprived communities in England

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