ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

New Midland Group Revives Historic Artist Cooperative Spirit with Regional Support Program

institutional · 2026-04-20

In December 2020, the New Midland Group (NMG) initiated an 18-month program, backed by Arts Council England, to assist artists in the Midlands. This consortium, based in Nottingham, draws inspiration from the original Midland Group (1943–87), known for showcasing artists such as Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol. Key partners of NMG include Backlit, One Thoresby Street, and Primary. The program offers mentoring, workshops, and networking opportunities to fifteen associate artists, while twelve bursaries, partially funded by Derby’s Artcore and a University of Lincoln initiative, aid in research and production. NMG is committed to enhancing the artistic landscape in the Midlands, with funding available until mid-2022 and future evaluations planned.

Key facts

  • New Midland Group launched December 2020
  • 18-month Arts Council England-funded program
  • Inspired by historic Midland Group (1943–1987)
  • Fifteen associate artists receive mentoring and workshops
  • Twelve bursaries support research and production
  • Open call targeted artists without formal education or underrepresented backgrounds
  • Partners include Backlit, One Thoresby Street, and Primary
  • Program addresses regional artist needs during pandemic

Entities

Artists

  • Salvador Dalí
  • Marcel Duchamp
  • David Hockney
  • Jackson Pollock
  • Andy Warhol
  • Seema Mattu
  • Tom Harris
  • Roo Dhissou
  • Sahjan Kooner

Institutions

  • New Midland Group
  • Midland Group
  • Arts Council England
  • Backlit
  • One Thoresby Street
  • Primary
  • Nottingham Contemporary
  • New Art Exchange
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • Artcore
  • University of Lincoln
  • ArtReview
  • Remark

Locations

  • Nottingham
  • United Kingdom
  • Midlands
  • Birmingham
  • East Circus Street
  • Derby
  • North India
  • London

Sources