About us.

Norman Rea Gallery is a YUSU ratified society at the University of York. We are run by a committee of elected students who volunteer their time. Our core aims have always been:

• To offer a unique opportunity for students in York to work in a contemporary campus-based art gallery,

• To supply students at the University of York with engaging cultural content,

• To provide a platform for local and international artists.

The gallery was established by Norman Rea, the Provost of Langwith College in 1976. He felt that, “students should have the opportunity to look at paintings a well as listen to music and should have the chance to engage with artists, talk about their work with them discuss their techniques.” He also recognised that “new artists sometimes struggled to get started, to find a gallery that would be willing to give them space,” and so the Norman Rea Gallery was born.

The committee of 2023/24 wants to continue the Norman Rea Gallery’s objective to listen, engage and respond to our community. In doing so we aim to create exhibitions which cover contemporary and meaningful themes that reflect this community. We want to facilitate conversations with a range of audiences, particularly those who face marginalisation and discrimination in the arts. We aim to do so through our physical and digital presence, the artists we exhibit, engaging with other societies and local creative organisations, and providing sustainable, accessible events. Inclusivity is at the heart of the gallery, and so this year we would like to produce and curate our exhibitions in a democratic manner to give everyone the unique opportunity to gain experience in a student-led gallery.