The Norman Rea Gallery is proud to announce ‘Golden: 50 Years at the Norman Rea Gallery,’ a landmark exhibition celebrating 50 years of the creative space on the University of York campus. The Gallery was established in 1976 by Norman Rea, then Provost of Langwith College. He believed that “students should have the opportunity to look at paintings as well as listen to music and should have the chance toengage with artists, talk about their work with them, and 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.” From this conviction, the Norman Rea Gallery was born.

Fifty years on, the Norman Rea Gallery continues to flourish as the only student-run gallery in the country and has been a pivotal part of many students' and staff’s time at York. ‘Golden’ reflects on this remarkable history while celebrating the students, artists and communities who have helped to shape the special space Norman Rea had hoped for. The opening night for ‘Golden: 50 Years at the Norman Rea Gallery’ will take place on Saturday, 21st March, from 18:30 - 21:00. In addition to the exhibition, the Norman Rea Gallery will run a rich programme of events, further celebrating the achievement of being the only student-run gallery for 50 years.