The Importance of Community Arts Spaces (an Ode to City Arts)

Very sadly Nottingham is losing the City Arts building in Hockley at the beginning of March 2026, due to the challenging pressures of the current economic climate. Although City Arts will continue to flourish beyond the building. However, it got me thinking about why physical spaces are so important for supporting community arts-based projects and why they are essential to add value. Buildings are more than bricks and mortar; they serve a multitude of purposes to a plethora of groups.

So, who are City Arts?

In summary, City Arts have been connecting people with art, culture, and creativity since 1977, advocating for those underrepresented groups in the arts. Whether it’s through the weekly workshops, the on-the-street Window Gallery, or the large-scale outdoor festivals, City Arts provides access to the arts and acts as a home to many local artists and groups from our varied Nottingham communities.

I first joined City Arts as a member of their Young Producers group in June 2024 and then became an Associate Artist in December 2024. Having just completed my Fine Art degree and returning to my hometown of Nottingham, City Arts became a space that massively supported me during the early stages of my career.

I recognise how lucky I was to have an organisation backing me as a young creative, and their belief in me was a huge first step in my artistic career. Having a space to be a practising artist, feel like an artist and being surrounded by so many other inspiring, socially engaged practitioners was so enriching. City Arts provided me a safe network, a community of like-minded individuals, and many other opportunities. It has been a great way to experiment, showcase work, and just have fun!

Let’s explore the why?

The concept of ‘community arts’ originated back in the late 1940s. It was seen as a way of bringing people together and including those who may not otherwise engage in the arts. However, it was not until the 1960s – when social change was seen as possible – that community art was conceived as a way of giving voice to society’s disenfranchised. Community Art challenged the boundaries between high and low culture and aspired to make art more accessible to larger audiences and challenged stereotypes.

This is why is it so important to ensure these spaces continue to exist. Community arts bring people together, enhance creative skills, and ensure participation is accessible for all. Physical spaces anchor community identity and are at the heart of cross-cultural exchanges. Nottingham is lucky to have an organisation like City Arts leading the vibrant arts scene, and so this is my ode (not in the absolute literary sense) to the building, and all the joy, creativity, and talent that has walked through the doors during the past twelve years.

With love,
Kate Lawrence, Youth Board Member

To find out more about City Arts please visit there website here

To find opportunities and events for young creatives in Nottingham, follow @connectingnotts on Instagram or join our mailing list.