Assemblage: Gatherings on Contemporary Art is an ongoing series of public events and activities that connect teaching and research at Northumbria University. Initiated by the Fine Art team in the Department of Arts, the project examines current and critical topics concerning contemporary art and curatorial practices through an intersectional lens. Each event takes place over multiple days and includes a range of artistic and research presentations, film screenings, talks, panel discussions, exhibitions, and workshops by Northumbria faculty, visiting artists, and scholars.
In its inaugural year, the programme highlights BIPOC, LGBTIQ+, disabled and neurodiverse perspectives from North-East England and beyond. It also challenges dominant art historical narratives and approaches to visual culture and engages with transnational non-western perspectives.
Assemblage: Gatherings on Contemporary Art is supported by Art Practice and Conservation Subject Area, the Department of Arts Research Funds, and the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team at Northumbria University, and the Finnish Institute in London.
The initiative aims to:
- Increase opportunities in the curriculum for students to directly experience and engage with current local and international developments in contemporary art.
- Advance professional development of students through strategic collaborations with a broad range of arts and cultural organisations in the region and beyond.
- Highlight ongoing research by Arts colleagues with the students, wider Northumbria community, and public.
- Develop consistent public programming to widen audience engagement and maximise the visibility of Northumbria Arts’ work internally and externally.
- Make better use of existing expertise, resources, and facilities in the Department of Arts and the university through a shared and collaborative approach.
- Be part of and cultivate the local contemporary art scene in Newcastle and the surrounding region.
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