Within its first year, GroundWork was already an award-winning gallery. Its first accolade was the prestigious Nick Reeves Award for Arts and Environment , won in 2017-2018. In the following year, in 2018, it reached the regional shortlist for the Civic Trust Awards. Thirdly, it became a finalist in the Norfolk Arts Awards. 2018 was clearly an award-winning year, as the gallery also gained one of the Mayor’s Design Awards in West Norfolk. 

One of the top seven must-see art galleries in East Anglia

Abellio Greater Anglia has nominated GroundWork Gallery as one of the 7 top must-see art galleries in East Anglia https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/destinations/discover-hub/art-attack-east-anglias-7-must-see-art-galleries

Gallery interior: Visitors looking at Bird after Bird, 2017
Visitors viewing Bird After Bird, 14 July – 10 September 2017

A finalist for the Civic Trust Regional Award 2018

Award-winning gallery: Civic Trust Regional finalist badge
Civic Trust Award regional finalist badge above

Award-winning gallery: Nick Reeves Award for Art and Environment, 2017-18

I am delighted to inform you that the judging panel have decided to present this year’s Nick Reeves Award for arts and the environment to GroundWork. This award recognises your very considerable achievement as a new gallery showcasing art and the environment.”

 Award-winning gallery: Dr Veronica Sekules, Director of GroundWork Gallery receiving the Nick Reeves Award from Angela Gray, President of CIWEM
Dr Veronica Sekules, Director of GroundWork Gallery receiving the Nick Reeves Award from Angela Gray, President of CIWEM

CIWEM’s Arts and the Environment Network, together with the former Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World (CCANW) gave us The Nick Reeves Award for Arts and the Environment. The award recognises an outstanding contribution in the field of environmental arts. It celebrates an artwork or arts project by a living UK born or based artist (or group) that contributes innovatively to CIWEM’s vision of “putting creativity at the heart of environmental policy and action”.

Award-winning gallery: Nick Reeves Award commemorative plaque designed by Pearce Marchbank

The ambitious scope of the new gallery particularly impressed the judges because it embodies the core principles of CIWEM’s Arts and Environment Network.

“The open sharing of ideas and experiences which the gallery facilitates will undoubtedly lead to an ultimate impact beyond the scope of the project alone. Your approach demonstrates an inspirational model for other projects in this country and abroad.”

The judges praised the gallery’s perseverance and dedication through the period of its inception, design and construction. Furthermore, they commended the conversion of an historic but unused building, without any public or grant funding.

‘the gallery now provides a much needed platform for artists to reach the general public and encourages connections and collaborations.’

CIWEM awarded Special Commendations to artists Hanna Tuulikki and Tony Foster, to recognise the depth and innovative variety of their work. 

A fantastic addition to King’s Lynn – it opens one’s eyes to the town space

A visitor comment

Mayor’s Design Awards 2018

Every other year, the Mayor of King’s Lynn gives a range of architecture and design awards. In 2018, GroundWork won the Conversion Scheme Award. This felt like quite an achievement, especially after all our long planning battles. Thanks especially to all the designers and builders who contributed towards it: Hudson Architects and Norfolk Building Co.

Award-winning gallery: King's Lynn Mayor's design award certificate

Norfolk Arts Award finalist 2017

At the end of its first year, the gallery was one of nine finalists for the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Hostry Festival Norfolk Arts Award. There were 3 categories: large organisations, individuals and small arts organisations. The gallery was one of three small organisations on the final shortlist for The People’s Choice Award. The other two candidates were Norwich Puppet Theatre, and Lost in Translation Circus. The ultimate and very worthy winner was Lost in Translation Circus in Norwich, also an organisation at the end of its first year. http://litcircus.com/ .

See here for further information: http://www.edp24.co.uk/going-out/edp-people-s-choice-awards-finalists-are-revealed-1-5203405