The young creative scene in Norwich is burgeoning. That was the message at last night’s talk delivered by n-cas (Norfolk Contemporary Arts Society).
These talks are given as part of our series of public lectures on cultural matters held on the school site in conjunction with partner institutions. We were delighted to host n-cas again on 9th May 2023 in the Blake Studio for the seventh occasion this academic year.
The talk was in two halves; the first saw Chair of OUTPOST Gallery, Maddie Exton, outline the work of her organisation. The audience heard about how OUTPOST (https://www.norwichoutpost.org/) is an artist-run charity in Norwich committed to the presentation of contemporary art. The charity runs a gallery in Wensum Street which facilitates a programme of exhibitions, alongside a series of other projects. OUTPOST also runs an affordable studio complex, OUTPOST Studios, in Anglia Square for over 80 artists and practitioners. This is viewed as a great way for creative young talent studying in Norwich to remain working in the city post-graduation.
Maddie’s presentation was followed by an illustrated talk by one of OUTPOST’s recent artists, Hazel Soper, who reflected on her work, influences and recent exhibition. She is an artist who uses video, audio, print and sculpture together in installation works that examine social alienation and eco-feminism in contemporary society. To conclude the evening, both were in conversation with n-cas trustee, artist and former Associate Professor in Fine Art at NUA, Carl Rowe.
The audience of parents, alumni, staff, friends of the school and members of n-cas enjoyed chatting with our presenters over refreshments afterwards.
Our next n-cas talk is on Saturday 27th May 2023 in the Blake Studio at Norwich School, as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival programme. It promises to be a fascinating one, featuring the Barbican’s charismatic and distinctive Artistic Director and former BBC Arts Editor, Will Gompertz. He will be in conversation with talented and well-renowned London-based artist Rana Begum RA whose well-known works are characterised by a blurring of the boundaries between sculpture, painting and architecture. See: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/name/rana-begum-ra. Those who remember hearing Will Gompertz on site in 2019 will recall he is an engaging and highly entertaining host. The talk begins at 19:00 and doors open shortly beforehand. Advance booking is mandatory, as this event is likely to be very popular, through this link: https://nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on/will-gompertz-in-conversation-with-rana-begum/. Cost is £10; £7.50 for U18s. ALL are welcome: Parents / guardians, pupils, alumni, staff, friends of the school and all those interested in the creative arts. Link to further information on the talk: https://www.n-cas.org.uk/events-all/will-gompertz-in-conversation-with-rana-begum.
All school-based events for this very busy term are listed in this useful publication: https://www.norwich-school.org.uk/about-us/publications/at-close-quarters/. This provides an overview of everything on offer and is always up to date, so please get your diaries out and pencil in all events of interest.