The Norman Rea Gallery is a York Student Union ratified society at the University of York, proudly run by a committee of elected student volunteers. As the only student-run gallery in the UK, we are dedicated to celebrating creativity, community, and inclusivity through art.

Our core aims have always been:

- To offer University of York students a unique opportunity to work in a contemporary art gallery permanently based on campus.

- To act as an accessible and representative artistic hub where students can meet and connect with like-minded creatives.

- To provide a platform for local and national artists to gain visibility and recognition.

The gallery was founded in 1976 by Norman Rea, the Provost of Langwith College, who believed that “students should have the opportunity to look at paintings and listen to music, and should have the chance to engage 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”, and so, the Norman Rea Gallery was born.

Many years later, the gallery continues to honour that founding vision. The current committee remains committed to listening to, connecting with, and responding to our community, curating a diverse range of exhibitions and events that reflect contemporary society. We strive to engage students creatively, socially, and culturally, and to foster inclusive experiences for all, especially those who may have faced barriers to accessing opportunities in the art world.

By supporting us, you help sustain a space that:

Supports emerging artists

Encourages collaboration between students, local creatives, and artists.

Maintains a democratic curatorial approach, where exhibitions are shaped by the ideas and interests of our members.

Ensures our gallery, both physically and online, remains an open, inclusive, and community-focused space.

Through our new initiative, ‘Friends of the Gallery’, you can help us continue this legacy. Your support allows us to keep art accessible, nurture creativity, and provide opportunities for the next generation of artists and curators to flourish.

Together, we can ensure the Norman Rea Gallery continues to thrive as a unique and vital part of the University of York’s artistic landscape.