New Art Exchange
Contemporary art gallery in Hyson Green, Nottingham, showing work by artists from the Global Ethnic Majority, with a café, events and community programmes.
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About the museum
New Art Exchange, usually shortened to NAE, was formed in 2003 through a partnership between two Nottingham arts organisations: APNA Arts, which focused on South Asian arts, and EMACA Visual Arts, which supported artists of African and Caribbean origin. Their aim was to create a gallery in Hyson Green devoted to culturally diverse contemporary art.
The present building, designed by Hawkins\Brown, opened in September 2008 and won five architecture and design awards in 2009 and 2010, including a RIBA National Award. In 2010 NAE co-hosted British Art Show 7, and in 2011 the work Floating Coffins, which it had commissioned, was bought by Tate.
NAE describes itself as the largest gallery in the UK dedicated to contemporary visual art from the Global Ethnic Majority. In 2024 it set up the VOICE Assembly, a permanent citizens’ assembly chosen by lottery from the local neighbourhood that helps shape its programme and strategy. The building also houses the Corner Café, a learning room, and spaces for performances, workshops and hire.
Highlights
- Changing exhibitions of contemporary art by artists from the Global Ethnic Majority
- Award-winning building by Hawkins\Brown
- Corner Café in the glazed corner of the building
- Free Saturday Art Club workshops for children and families
- VOICE Assembly, a permanent citizens’ assembly
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- New Art Exchange
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Gallery entry is free; some events and workshops are ticketed.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A lift is in operation, the building has induction loops and accessible toilets, and disabled parking spaces are available at the rear of the building off Noel Street. Visitors with access needs are encouraged to phone ahead. An access statement and a large-print visitor guide are available, and gallery tours offer verbal imaging for visually impaired visitors.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The Saturday Art Club offers free drop-in creative workshops for children and families on Saturday mornings, and there are activities in school holidays.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The Forest tram stop
The easiest way from Nottingham city centre is by tram: NAE is opposite The Forest tram stop, and trams run every 7 to 8 minutes from Nottingham railway station and Market Square (about 10 minutes). Bus services 78, 79, 80, 81 and L12 also serve the area.
By car
Parking available
On-street parking nearby is limited to 2 hours on weekdays and free at weekends. Disabled parking spaces are at the rear of the building, off Noel Street.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Café
The Corner Café is an inclusive café and event space in the glazed corner of the building.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 90 guests.
A 96 m² performance space holds up to 90 guests; meeting rooms and a workshop space are also available for conferences, training days, workshops and private celebrations.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 30 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Informal group gallery tours can be tailored to the group and are free for schools, colleges and universities. Book at least two weeks ahead by email; coach parking must be arranged in advance. |
