Everyone is an artist

Drum circle in church hall, photographed from above.
Blue to Green Drum Circle, Lamar Francois 2022

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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Drum circle in church hall, photographed from above.
Blue to Green Drum Circle, Lamar Francois 2022

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

Workshop

Abstract Broad Marsh

Date of event: 4 Jul 2026 Event start time: 10:30am - Event end time: 3:00pm

Venue Address: Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, Nottingham, NG1 7FH

Join mural artist Natalie Coe for a hands-on creative workshop inspired by her upcoming Broad Marsh mural. Discover how Natalie develops her abstract artworks by exploring colour, shape, texture and…

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Family Friendly

Hoopla! on the Forest Rec

Date of event: 6 Aug 2026 Event start time: 10:00am - Event end time: 2:30pm

Venue Address: Behind Homemade Cafe (at The Pavilion), Forest Recreation Ground, Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG5 2BU

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 on the…

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Projects

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

Get Creative participant, artist and volunteer

Find out more: Get Creative

Project dates: Since November 2011

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Our Impact

Close-up of two children's hands pointing at a colorful patchwork. The textile features a variety of bright and patterned squares, each with unique designs and textures, creating a vibrant mosaic effect.
HeART in Libraries , Lamar Francois 2024

Case Study

I’ve enjoyed every bit of this project. Working with City Arts is really up there as one of the things I most enjoyed. You’re great partners.

Read Sandra's story

Key Stats April 2024 - March 2025

2543 Workshop attendances

170 Artists supported

61k Exhibition audiences for the Window Gallery

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