Primary

Primary is an artist-led contemporary visual arts organisation and charity housed in a characterful Grade II listed former school in Nottingham. We became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation in 2018. Our site and ethos create a unique environment for creative research where the value that we collectively produce is much more than the sum of its parts.

We provide studios and strategic development for artists alongside a free public programme of commissions and events. We are home to 50 diverse artists from a broad range of critically engaged visual arts practice, workshops including clay, weave, and design, outdoor and garden spaces, independent galleries, a bookshop, and the award-winning Small Food Bakery. Our approach is to invest in artistic research through participation and engagement, delivering a regular programme of commissions, learning and community events, and platforms for conversation and knowledge exchange.