A small group of artists and trustees from Coventry Artspace recently travelled to BACKLIT in Nottingham.
BACKLIT is a registered charity and NPO and is the largest provider of studios in the Midlands – home to approximately 100 artists. They have been running since 2008 and recently purchased their building which means they are able to expand their provision to a new floor. We wanted to learn more about how this successful artist-led organisation operates and to see how BACKLIT has developed a creative community around its studios and wider programme.
On arriving at BACKLIT, the first thing that struck me was the building itself. The studios are housed in a beautiful old Victorian building, full of character and history. On entering, we climbed a staircase which opened out into the first of the gallery areas, where a group of artists were already working collaboratively.
We were lucky enough to meet with 3 key members of staff: Directors, Matthew Chesney and Suzanne Golden and Curator and Programme Coordinator, Jazz Swali. They were incredibly generous with their time and knowledge sharing, and all spoke so passionately about what they have built at BACKLIT.
I was excited to look around the space and see what was on offer for artists. The building retains many of its original features — an old Belfast sink for washing brushes instantly took me back to my university days. Arched windows and exposed brickwork add to the atmosphere, revealing the age and character of the building.
What I noticed most, though, was the light. There were so many windows, and I kept thinking about how wonderful all that natural light must be for artists working in the studios. As a painter, much of my practice relies on carefully mixing and balancing colour, and the quality of light in a studio can make a huge difference. Seeing so many large windows throughout the building made me appreciate what an inspiring environment it must be for artists working there.
Aside from the physical space, one of the things I really appreciated about BACKLIT was the way the organisation engages not only with the artists who hold studios there, but also with the wider public. It feels like a space that is open and connected to its community, rather than something that exists only for those working within the building.
It was interesting to see that the studios aren’t used solely by individual artists. Several collectives also work from the space, which adds a real sense of diversity and collaboration. Having different ways of working — from solo practitioners to collaborative groups — seems to create a dynamic and supportive creative environment.
The space is also used by students from Nottingham Trent University’s MA Fine Art programme, which brings an added sense of energy and buzz to the building. Having students working alongside established artists creates a lively environment with the potential for ideas, conversations and experiences to be shared across different stages of artistic practice. It also highlights BACKLIT’S commitment to developing and nurturing young talent in the city. Students are given the opportunity to build relationships with the organisation and may go on to become studio holders themselves or take up internships and placements within the space, creating a valuable and supportive pathway for emerging artists.
Another aspect that was interesting was their associate membership model. While the team at BACKLIT openly acknowledged that the structure is still evolving and could be improved, it feels like a promising idea. By opening membership beyond studio holders, the organisation can support artists who may not have a site based studio while also generating additional income. It’s an approach that helps widen the creative network around the organisation and strengthens its connection with the broader artistic community.
BACKLIT functions as a real cultural hub for the city. Alongside the studios, the organisation runs an extensive programme of exhibitions, events and activities that reach far beyond the artists working in the building. Workshops, talks and family-friendly activities invite people from across Nottingham’s communities to engage with the space, creating a lively and welcoming environment. This broader programme helps position BACKLIT not just as a place where art is made, but as a space where creativity is shared and experienced by the wider public. It is a place where ideas grow, conversations happen and creative communities take shape.
Visits like this remind us how powerful artist-led spaces can be when they are open, collaborative and rooted in their communities — something that feels especially important as we imagine the next chapter for Coventry Artspace.
We would like to say a huge thank you to BACKLIT for hosting us.
Written by Polly Merredew, March 2026