Belle, Grace and Sam are behind the inaugural Norwich Art Weekend, planned for July 2026. Here, they explain the thinking behind the city-wide celebration of galleries, artists and creative spaces
Who are you and what do you do (when not organising the first ever Norwich Art Weekend)?
Grace: In my spare time, I like to paint, working on originals and commissions and I’m also training for my first marathon.
Sam: I am an artist who specialises in oil painting. Last year, I quit my 9-5 to explore a career in the art industry, where I currently work for Moosey Art.
Belle: I am an Art History graduate, and in my free time, I volunteer at non-profit galleries in Norwich.
We met over a year ago and, with shared aspirations for an art career, we came together to navigate the art world. Having spent a lot of time in galleries, both together and individually, we were inspired to create an event that celebrates the vibrant creative community within the city. Thus, NAW came about!
What led you to launching the Weekend? Do you think the Norwich art scene has been crying out for something like this?
We felt that an art weekend could bridge art institutions and creative communities in Norwich by bringing people together through a single event. We hope that by increasing footfall in galleries over the weekend, the people of Norwich will be able to engage in conversations surrounding art like never before.
So, when and where is Norwich Art Weekend happening? And what can people expect on the weekend?
NAW is currently projected to take place in July 2026. It will be in the city centre and feature various galleries and art institutions with numerous special events, such as artist talks, workshops, special previews, and tours.
How can people find out more/support what you’re doing?
Currently, the best place to find out more information is via Instagram (@norwichartweekend). If anyone would like to get involved, feel free to drop us a message or leave a comment. We are currently seeking funding and once that comes through, we are hoping to build a website containing further details. We would love for people to spread the word and invite family, friends, and fellow creatives.
Do you think the inaugural event might be the first of many?
Definitely! We’d love for NAW to become an annual celebration. This event is unlike any other in Norwich due to its focus on diverse galleries and emphasis on Norwich’s art scene as a whole.
Follow Norwich Art Weekend (@norwichartweekend) on Instagram.
Featured image of (left to right) Belle, Grace and Sam
Leave a Reply