Arts organisation looks forward to reopening in brand new location after £4.5 million injection
An arts organisation looks forward to reopening in its brand new location in the spring, following a £4.5 million redevelopment project over the past half-a-decade.
NN Contemporary is a prominent, non-profit contemporary art space based in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter, which acts as a hub for exhibitions, artist studios, project space and development programmes.
Toby Kilby-Pollard began as an associate artist at NN Contemporary Art in 2023 and took on the permanent role of communities and engagement producer last summer.
He works with the community to bring valuable programmes to life, as well as offering exciting and groundbreaking exhibitions rooted in community at the heart of the town.
The publicly-funded arts organisation was founded in 2003 and began at the former fish market, in the location of the now bus station. It eventually relocated to Guildhall Road and is now preparing to reopen in its new building number 24.
“It’s a new iteration,” Toby told the Chronicle & Echo. “We’re changing the definition of NN Contemporary Art from a gallery to a community-embedded and art-led organisation. It will be a space to learn, make and socialise.
“We’re seeking to inspire creativity, change and be a social catalyst for the town. We want to bring people into the definition of what art looks like in Northampton, through accessible and transformative ways to engage with what’s happening in the region and internationally.”
The launch of the new building will take place later this year, as part of a £4.5 million redevelopment project that NN Contemporary Art has worked with West Northamptonshire Council on.
“The gallery is one part of what we do, but we’ll have a community kitchen, co-working space, a cafe area, a zine library, broadcast suite and education spaces,” said Toby.
“This will all be at the base of 24 Guildhall Road and this project has been over the course of five years. It’s been an incredible effort to get to this point.”
The Guild professional development programme is being launched in conjunction with the building opening. This will support creatives in developing their artistic practice, working collaboratively, creating public-facing art, and contributing to cultural life in Northampton.
Running from March to December 2026, The Guild will aid eight creative practitioners by providing free studio space, year-round mentorship, and opportunities to form a new artist collective in the town.
Toby said: “The Guild will be led by me with eight exceptional artists in the region – inviting them to become the authors of new programmes and take a leading role in shaping Northampton.
“We’re excited for people to see how this organisation has been made with people in mind and bring them in.”