Rae Jones is Chair of the Steering Committee of OUTPOST in Norwich, an artist-led charity committed to the uncompromising presentation of contemporary art which recently celebrated 21 years. Here, Rae shares the story of the gallery with an nationally recognised programme
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Rae. I’m an artist and researcher with a collaborative practice. I work on projects in technology, education, public spaces/services/policies, fashion, architecture, museums and galleries. Monday-Friday, 9-5, I’m a social researcher and the rest of the time I chair the steering committee of OUTPOST Gallery. What this means in practice is leading the team of 6 volunteers who program and produce contemporary art projects in the space. This includes the fun stuff like meeting and working with great artists, the drier stuff like trying to get funding, right down to the unglamorous stuff like cleaning the toilet and tidying the alleyway in front of the gallery the morning after Norwich has had a big night out.
What is the background to OUTPOST Gallery? How long has it been in existence?
OUTPOST exists as an artist-led platform – a platform run by artists rather than commercial entities or traditional institutions. For 21 years, OUTPOST has provided early-career opportunities for artists, writers, curators and other cultural producers. OUTPOST has also brought high-calibre visual arts programming to Norwich and contributed to the cultural footprint of the city. Our distinctive two-year committee rotation is a cornerstone of how we function. Every two years, a new group of people become the stewards of this gallery. This way of working means there is constant influx of fresh energy, brings ever new perspectives, and a continuous capacity for innovation. This allows each generation to reinterpret and drive OUTPOST’s mission forward. This can be an incredibly formative experience for those who get really involved. Our ethos is one of learning together by doing together. Making something from scratch is fundamental to our identity.
What led you to becoming involved with the steering committee and what do you do alongside?
I’m not from Norwich (I’m from West Wales) and I moved here during the pandemic to be nearer loved ones. I wanted to make Norwich my home by using my skills to contribute to culture here. OUTPOST has such a legacy of great projects. I already knew about it before I lived here. I wanted to get involved as soon as I could. I filled in the enquiry form on the website and the steering committee chair at the time invited me to a committee meeting, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What is the main aim of OUTPOST?
OUTPOST presents compelling new visual art that aims to resonate both nationally and with our local community in Norwich. There are other great galleries in Norwich, but OUTPOST is unique in its positioning as an artist-led contemporary art space. We see our location as a strength and we embrace strategic regionalism. This allows us to contribute uniquely to the local, national (and international) cultural conversation.
What exhibitions have you been involved with this year?
Through our 2025-26 gallery programme, we have partnered with artists, artist-led groups, and other cultural organisations to cultivate a local, regional, national, and international community to exchange knowledge, combine audiences and cross pollinate. Highlights for 2025 included going to Lebanon for a project with Takeover (a very similar gallery and project space in Beirut), having a show in partnership with Art Centre Zhaporizhia, being featured in Vogue Ukraine and being listed in Plaster Magazine as one of 6 shows to visit in London in April (even though we’re firmly in Norwich).
How can people find out more about OUTPOST?
Come to our shows! We open a new show on the first Saturday of every month which runs until the last Sunday of each month. Everyone is welcome to join for the openings on the first Saturday 3-7pm – bring your friends, your kids, your dogs, whoever! There is often a talk, or film screening, or something else going on to mark the opening. We are also open 12-6pm Thursday-Sunday if you’d prefer to visit at a quieter time. It’s free and all are welcome! You can also follow us on Instagram @outpost.gallery Our next show is with Royal Drawing School alumni and opens Saturday 7th February 3-7pm.
What are your hopes and dreams for the gallery?
As we move beyond our 21st anniversary, as a group we are resolute in our commitment to the uncompromising presentation of contemporary art. My time as chair comes to an end at the end of this year, and I’m so looking forward to enjoying what the next stewards create. Being a part of OUTPOST has made me feel like I am a part of where I live, it’s made Norwich my home, and I’m so grateful for that. There is a beautiful circularity to being an audience member, eventually running the place for a couple of years, then becoming an audience member again. I hope OUTPOST lasts at least another 21 years, I dream of all the brilliant projects that I can’t even imagine yet, and I plan to be there for all the openings. I love this place!
OUTPOST, 10b Wensum Street, Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1HR. OUTPOST is open to the public during exhibitions. The next show is with Royal Drawing School alumni and opens Saturday 7th February, 2026, 3-7pm. Visit OUTPOST GALLERY.
Featured image of Rae Jones – supplied
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