While Britain grapples with cultural division, a creative hub in Nottingham has proven how a diverse community where more than 52 languages are spoken can be a united force for positive change.
Nottingham’s New Art Exchange (NAE) is the first cultural institution in the world to adopt a permanent citizen assembly to lead the organisation – with transformational results it is now championing nationally and internationally.
The registered charity, the UK’s largest gallery dedicated to contemporary visual arts from the Global Ethnic Majority, can now claim true representation of the communities it serves, alongside reporting its biggest ever growth period and:
– increasing overall engagement by 22 per cent
– boosting core funding by nearly 50 per cent
Introduced in 2022 and now tested, applied and refined, the first-of-its-kind model of citizen leadership, known as RETURN, has enlisted ‘people power’ from Nottingham’s Hyson Green and surrounding neighbourhoods – a community where 52 languages are spoken. This citizen’s assembly now work alongside NAE’s executive team, staff and board of trustees in a shared leadership model.
The 40 community members, named The VOICE Assembly, are embedded into the organisation to shape critical decisions on its future, with selection via a civic lottery reflecting the full breadth of diversity in the local community.
“Decision-making must be led by those most impacted and the future of leadership must be shaped by the people we serve, not just by a few at the top,” says Saad Eddine Said, CEO and artistic director of NAE. “It is imperative that every individual, regardless of their background, has a voice in the conversations that affect our communities and futures.
“We’ve built a dynamic leadership model that stands alongside the work of the extraordinary peers across the cultural sector and the nation, who are daring to reimagine our power structures. It empowers citizens to make key decisions fundamental to programming and strategic growth.”
The unique approach is paying off. In fact, says Saad: “We are living proof that citizen-led decision-making isn’t just possible, it’s essential for long-term sustainability and institutional resilience. The measurable results we’ve seen at New Art Exchange evidence this.”
The VOICE Assembly delivered its first action plan in March 2025, aiming to deliver on recommendations within two years. Yet, astonishingly, NAE reports that 65% of its plans have been realised in only six months. These include:
– A ‘Through Our Eyes children’s exhibition attracting 471 participants, with outdoor displays seen by 25,000.
– Together in Creation workshops with 145 participants and a Saturday Art Club now running with free meals to reduce barriers to access.
– Free space for local groups such as Himmah, Take 1 Studio, and African Corner Notts.
– Commissioning of new citizen-shaped projects including Nottz Garden Commission and a forthcoming Food Festival project.
– An international residency programme fully secured with partners and dates, with the first callout scheduled for February 2026.
– Launch of the Hyson Green Consortium – eight local community organisations coming together to enhance opportunities, collaboration and neighbourhood profile.
Saad says the VOICE Assembly offers a true representation of Nottingham’s Hyson Green community. “It mirrors the area’s demographics, ensuring lived experience is at the heart of what is done. It is helping to create a community where everyone feels profound pride, belonging, and ownership over their future.”
In total, more than £289,000 in funding has already been allocated through citizen decision-making within the last 36 months.
Former youth development worker Rudolph Smellie is one VOICE Assembly member. He has been surprised by the depth of engagement. “I always thought of leadership as something reserved for those in charge,” he says. “So one of the biggest lessons is that leadership can be shared. And here we are, influencing cultural decisions ourselves. We’re not just offering up ideas and hoping for change, we are defining objectives together.”
Interest in citizen-led culture is growing, with The National Gallery recently announcing its Citizens’ Assembly comprising 50 people from all four regions of the UK, who will be tasked with helping mould its future. The announcement said the gallery had been ‘inspired’ by what NAE and others had achieved.
“The conversation around citizen-led leadership is gaining momentum, and RETURN is supporting this by providing unique insight and data to prove it works,” adds Saad. “We are excited to see more institutions, including some large national charities and local councils, asking us how leadership can be reimagined within their institutions. So, we are sharing three key publications as a blueprint into the dynamic journey we are undertaking. A journey with its ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, failures and successes. A journey of meaningful partnerships and collective growth.
“The publications share our responses to many of the questions we continually explore, offering detailed insight into how we approach citizen-led leadership in practice. They show the structures, the human experiences and the actions taken. They also share the recommendations made by the citizens who took part.”
Saad will present elements of the RETURN blueprint during Arts & Business Northern Ireland’s Cultural Governance Conference in October. He concludes: “It’s so powerful that we feel compelled to share the process with other cultural organisations both nationally and globally. The mission is to mobilise those tired of symbolic change. For those willing to build something lasting, with citizens at the heart. And the good news is that the blueprint can be adapted and shaped by any institution willing to lead with courage, accountability and community at its core.”
NAE’s executive director, Adam Roe, believes if leaders want to truly understand their community, they must discard assumptions. “Too often, communities are consulted, but their voices are frequently overshadowed by institutions that think they know best,” he says. “In the UK, our cultural sector often clings to institutional expertise, so this shift is both radical and necessary. I urge leaders to open their doors wider than feels comfortable. Because the future of cultural leadership is in our hands.”
The RETURN Blueprint, the VOICE Assembly Booklet and the Factual Progress Report are available here: RETURN book; VOICE assembly booklet; 6 months report.
A hard copy of the RETURN Blueprint can be purchased here: RETURN: PLACING CITIZEN VOICE AT THE HEART OF CULTURAL LEADERSHIP
Posted on 05 November 2025
