Lee Ratcliffe is Director of Shug Gallery, a newly rebranded gallery space in Norwich. Ahead of an all-female group exhibition, GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS, opening today, Lee explains why the gallery seeks to support emerging artists from around the world
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Lee Ratcliffe and I’m the owner and curator of Shug Gallery, where I’m dedicated to showcasing contemporary art with a focus on emerging artists. My role involves everything from curating exhibitions and discovering new talent to fostering relationships with artists, collectors, and the broader art community. I’m passionate about creating a space that not only highlights diverse voices but also encourages meaningful engagement with the art world. My goal is to make Shug Gallery a place where creativity flourishes and where artists and art lovers alike can connect and be inspired.
Are you Norfolk born and raised?
Yes, born and bred in Norfolk. Norwich is a fine city to live and work in!
What led you to founding Shug Gallery? What else do you do?
I previously worked as a sales agent for another gallery, but I wanted to create something of my own, which led to the birth of Shug Gallery in 2022. Having my own gallery gives me complete creative control, something I value greatly. In addition to Shug, I also run Flexx Lex, an online shop offering art and design-led products. We also collaborate with artists such as Mr Doodle, Hi-Dutch, The Tvorogov Brothers, and Koichi Yairi, producing exclusive editions with them.
And the Gallery has had a rebrand?
The gallery went through a rebrand to better reflect its evolving mission, vision, and identity in the art world. Over time, as the gallery’s focus, audience, and values grew, it became clear that the previous brand no longer fully aligned with where we were headed. The rebrand was an opportunity to modernise, refresh our visual identity, and communicate more effectively with our audience. It also allowed us to reinforce our commitment to supporting innovative, diverse, and emerging artists, while ensuring that the gallery stays relevant and competitive in an ever-changing cultural landscape. Ultimately, the rebrand was about creating a clearer, stronger connection with the community we serve.
How important is it to you to provide a platform for the next generation of artists?
Providing a platform for the next generation of artists is incredibly important to me. Supporting emerging talent not only ensures the continuation and evolution of creative expression but also fosters diversity and innovation in the arts. New voices bring fresh perspectives, challenge established norms and inspire others to explore their own creativity. By offering opportunities and resources to young or underrepresented artists, we nurture a thriving artistic community, which can push cultural boundaries, address societal issues, and help shape the future of the arts. Empowering the next generation helps keep the art world dynamic and relevant.
What’s the thinking behind the new ‘GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS’ exhibition? How many artists are involved and where in the world are they from?
I decided to do an all-female group exhibition to spotlight the incredible talent of women artists out there. This exhibition aims to create a space where their voices, experiences, and unique perspectives can be showcased and celebrated. It’s not just about addressing gender imbalance but also about fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and visibility for women artists. By curating an all-female exhibition, I want to highlight the diversity and richness of their contributions to the art world and encourage more inclusivity and recognition in the industry. There are 14 artists involved from across the world including Mexico, Brazil, USA, Korea and the UK.
What’s happening on Saturday and how can people get involved on the day?
This Saturday marks the opening of our first exhibition ‘GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS’ since the rebrand, offering a chance for myself and everyone to reconnect with art lovers and collectors while exploring the stunning works on display. We’re also excited to feature an all-female lineup of DJs, curating music to complement the art experience.
What are your hopes and dreams for Shug Gallery?
My hopes and dreams for Shug Gallery are to establish it as a vibrant, inclusive space where both emerging and established artists can thrive. I envision the gallery becoming a hub for creativity, innovation, and meaningful dialogue, where diverse voices are celebrated, and new ideas are nurtured. I hope to create a welcoming environment that inspires art lovers, collectors, and the community to engage deeply with contemporary art. Ultimately, I dream of Shug Gallery making a lasting impact in the art world by championing underrepresented talent and contributing to the cultural conversation in a meaningful way.
GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS opens today (Saturday October 26, 2024), 12-3pm, at Shug Gallery, 23-25 St Augustines St, Norwich, NR3 3BY, with refreshments provided. DJs on the day include Fiona Burrage (SOP/Nor-Folk) and Effy Mai (Gonzo’s Resident). The exhibition runs until November 16, 2024.
Featured images – supplied
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