BACKLIT

Name of Organisation: BACKLIT

Short Description of Organisation 

BACKLIT is a female and LGBTQ+ led charity, gallery, and the largest studio space in the Midlands. Established in 2008, it supports early-career artists with studios, exhibitions, and development opportunities.
 
BACKLIT’s mission is to advance arts education through inclusive programming focused on mental health, digital access, environment, and EDI.
 
It works with underrepresented communities in Nottingham—women, LGBTQ+ people, young people, and residents—via workshops, exhibitions, and heritage projects.
 
Based in a 19th-century building, BACKLIT explores local histories, including those of factory workers. It also hosts Lumina Collective, a feminist group of women and genderqueer artists promoting representation and leadership.

Summary of planned improvements 

The four key areas we are looking to improve are, an integrated fire alarm system, a video intercom access system, lighting to our disabled parking area and the Art’s & Wellbeing Community Garden and finally the installation of two EVac chairs.

These improvements are part of BACKLIT’s wider Phase 1 Capital Works to enhance accessibility, upgrade energy efficient heating & lighting and build our new ground floor Gallery, Peoples Archive, Learning Room and the Art’s & Wellbeing Community Garden.

Capital developments will open 650sqm of new cultural venue as well as 300sqm of green space, which will bolster and significantly improve our existing core programme. Helping to nurture, develop and support the arts and culture offer in Nottingham. The spaces will be designed through community consultation and collaboration with architects to meet the needs of our priority audiences and to appeal to new.

Planned completion date for improvements: 07/2026 (UKSPF funded works will be completed by 12/2026, however the larger capital works will be completed 07/2026)

Venue Name: BACKLIT
Venue Address: Alfred House, Ashley Street, Nottingham
Venue Postcode: NG3 1JG

For more information, please contact

Key contact name: Harry Freestone
Email address: Harry.freestone@backlit.org.uk
Organisation website: www.backlit.org.uk