4
Arts
OUTPOST: Norwich’s Imminent Loss
By Lily boag
site
in
Norwich,
the
upcoming
OUTPOST has been a vibrant
specifically that of which has been
hub for the arts community in Norwich
created by students and emerging
redevelopment of the square means
since
charity
artists. Their second mission is to
that OUTPOST Studios will soon be
committed to promoting contemporary
provide a studio space which offers
demolished.
art, the OUTPOST gallery facilitates a
the relief of poverty among emerging
This will most likely have a dire
programme of five exhibitions a year,
artists, offering a place in which they
effect on the Norwich arts community,
in addition to managing offsite projects
can partake in creative practices and
with less opportunity for artists and
and events and running two artistic
are assisted by a support network.
creative practitioners, especially those
programmes.
Providing
experience
of whom come from disadvantaged or
The OUTPOST Core Programme is
in running a contemporary art space
lower socioeconomic backgrounds, to
designed to support emerging artists,
and studio through their volunteering
gain access to affordable studio spaces
students, and OUTPOST members. The
group The Norwich OUTPOST Steering
to conduct their creative practices.
OUTPOST Creative Programme, which
Committee, OUTPOST has supported
Consequentially,
is part funded by Arts Council England,
the
of
production and activity means the local
supports individuals from working
many individuals within the Norwich
contemporary art scene that works to
class
socio-economic
community.
diversify, inform, and engage gallery
backgrounds. Aiming to increase the
Offering
2010.
and
An
artist-run
lower
training
and
professional
an
development
affordable
studio
reduced
artistic
audiences and the public community
diversity of representation of artists
complex
and
in Norwich will be hit hard by the
through providing creative promotion
practitioners, OUTPOST Studios was
absence of local artistic contribution
and
developmental
founded in 2010 and remains to be
that OUTPOST Studios supports and
opportunities, The OUTPOST Creative
one of the largest studio providers in
promotes.
Programme
of
the East of England. With open calls
What does this mean for artists
exhibitions, events, residencies, and
for artist residency, OUTPOST invites
and audiences in the Norwich arts
workshops.
applications from self-taught artists and
community? Simply put, they must
equal
creatives across East Anglia, particularly
face the fated loss of a critical creative
and
welcoming Black, and minority ethnic
network
creative community, OUTPOST has two
candidates
lower
provides a space for artists and creatives
charitable aims and objectives. Their
socioeconomic backgrounds, so they
to establish their creative presence, and
first mission is to promote education
can receive mentorship from OUTPOST
an asset which has helped shape the
in the arts to the public though
Studios. However, being based at
Norwich arts scene.
maintaining an art gallery space that
Gildengate House in Anglia Square
publicly exhibits contemporary art,
which is known for being a neglected
beneficial
Founded opportunities
facilitates
a
series
on
providing
in
the
artistic
Editor: JAck Warren
for
over
and
80
those
artists
from
in
Norwich,
one
which
