ABOUT BACKLIT
BACKLIT is a three-storey independent art gallery and studios located in the heart of Nottingham, UK. The contemporary studios are artist-led, whilst its three galleries host a dynamic public programme of (inter)national artists, original commissions, live talks, workshops and screenings throughout the year.
Our ethos is deeply connected to its roots of the building's past. Samuel Morley—the original building commissioner—radically pioneered progression in human rights, anti-slavery, industry and adult education. Continuing Morley's Legacy, we are committed to enabling and continually improving an accessible, equal, educational and safe space for all.
We support a diverse range of people and groups, from local community and heritage engaged projects to individually developing creatives. Providing support for early-career graduates, working closely with universities and national organisations, emerging artists, creatives, makers and national touring practitioners. We also maintain exciting partnerships and opportunities with galleries across the region and beyond.
Our Building and Samuel Morley
Our building is connected to a history of human rights, anti-slavery and adult education for all. It was commissioned by Samuel Morley, an English woollen manufacturer and political radical who pioneered progressions in industry, human rights, and education. Morley was a great advocate of the anti-slavery movement in Nottingham and London and supported and funded Josiah Henson, a 'freed' fugitive American slave to publish a book about his experience of Slavery and the Underground Railroad. The book changed history and is the inspiration behind Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'. You can find out more about Samuel Morley and Josiah Henson here.
BACKLIT is committed to continuing this legacy by enabling an accessible, equal and safe space for all. We do this through a non-hierarchical approach to our public and community programming, projects and artist development opportunities.
EXAGGERATE EVERYTHING
22nd November 2019 – 15th February 2020
Lizz Brady, Hana Madness and the vacuum cleaner, Dan Hett, Niall Farrelly, Benedict Drew, Eunjung Suh, Suzanne Golden, Luke Fowler, Nicola Dale and Benjamin Rostance.
EXAGGERATE EVERYTHING was a collaboration between BACKLIT Gallery and Manchester based artist initiative, Broken Grey Wires, led by Lizz Brady.
The exhibition presented works by artists sharing their different personal experiences of mental health and wellbeing, with the aim of opening up difficult conversations around these subjects.
This dynamic exhibition showcased nine artists with a range of practices and disciplines, to explore the reality of everyday living with mental health issues.
The Asylum Project follows on from the success of EXAGGERATE EVERYTHING, exploring the arts and mental health, our connection to local spaces and the histories surrounding them.
KING EDWARD PARK
King Edward Park, the original site of the Nottingham General Lunatic Asylum, sits opposite BACKLIT Gallery. Over the years BACKLIT has commissioned artists' work and programmed community projects which have taken place in and around the park. The site is an important part of the local community, serving as a meeting place, playground, allotments and overall an outdoor space which inspires a connection to nature, community, and because of its close proximity to both BACKLIT and Dance4, creativity.
