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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News
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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Video
How can Nottingham better support and celebrate its LGBTQIA+ communities? How can the city create a greater sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ people, improving their quality of life? Key decisions…
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Video
This short film captures places, spaces and voices that make up Carlton, Nottinghamshire. Contributors range from Jigsaw Homes residents to local business owners. Carefully collaged together by filmmaker Owen Davies,…
Find out moreFamily Friendly
Date of event: 23 May 2026 Event start time: 10:30am - Event end time: 12:00pm
Venue Address: Strelley Road Library, Strelley Road, Nottingham, NG8 3BJ
A free puppet show and workshop for ages 3+. Join us for an imaginative puppet show inspired by a Swedish folk tale. A whole world unfolds from a single suitcase.…
Book Now: 'The Giant Who Slept for Ten Thousand Years' View event: 'The Giant Who Slept for Ten Thousand Years'Family Friendly
Date of event: 26 May 2026 Event start time: 11:00am - Event end time: 1:00pm
Venue Address: The Vine Community Centre, Bobbers Mill Road, Nottingham, NG7 5GZ
A free puppet show and workshop for ages 6+. Join us for a lively, funny and imaginative show inspired by traditional West African Anansi stories. Full of music, storytelling and…
Book Now: 'Anansi and the Lost Sun' View event: 'Anansi and the Lost Sun'Family Friendly
Date of event: 27 May 2026 Event start time: 11:00am - Event end time: 1:00pm
Venue Address: Bulwell Riverside Community Room, Bulwell Riverside, Main Street, Nottingham, NG6 8QJ
A free puppet show and workshop for ages 6+. Join us for a lively, funny and imaginative show inspired by traditional West African Anansi stories. Full of music, storytelling and…
Book Now: 'Anansi and the Lost Sun' View event: 'Anansi and the Lost Sun'
Project dates: Since November 2011
Project dates: Since July 2022
Case Study
The consultancy and advice were invaluable. If I was working on my own, I wouldn’t have had access to that kind of advice.
Read Nikki Charlesworth's story
Key Stats April 2024 - March 2025
170 Artists supported
12865 Audiences for Nottingham Puppet Festival city centre day
23% of artists employed were D/deaf or disabled
Podcast
Listen to our podcast exploring the lives of members of Nottingham's diverse creative community.
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News
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…
Read more: 'City Arts moves into BACKLIT'News
It is with regret that we share that on 2 March 2026, City Arts’ lease on 11-13 Hockley comes to an end. Due to the challenges and pressures created by…
Read more: 'City Arts to leave 11-13 Hockley'Video
How can Nottingham better support and celebrate its LGBTQIA+ communities? How can the city create a greater sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ people, improving their quality of life? Key decisions…
Read more: 'Panel Discussion – Building an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Nottingham'Publication
Read or download Murmurations – Building an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Nottingham, a new zine produced by City Arts. The zine features a collection of poems, writings, and artworks that reflect on…
Read more: 'Murmurations – Building an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Nottingham'Case Study
Gemma Poyzer is a freelance commercial photographer from Nottingham. She studied photography at Nottingham College and has been working as a photographer since. In 2024, Gemma was awarded one of…
Read more: '“This was my first entrance into the art world… It helped me to feel like an artist, to feel inspired and motivated.”'Blog
Ellie Jupp has written a review of ‘The Air We Breathe’ & ‘The Weather Station’, the current exhibition in The Window Gallery at City Arts. Ellie is a second year…
Read more: 'From Data to Display: How Art Is Changing The Conversation On Air Quality'
