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A large grey room with cement pillars and metal pipes and ducts running along the ceiling. On the walls are large, framed photographs. In the centre of the room are two long rectangular grey benches.
A large grey room with cement pillars and metal pipes and ducts running along the ceiling. On the walls are large, framed photographs. In the centre of the room are two long rectangular grey benches.

About Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art

Over 50 years old, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art has had various names and locations. Founded in 1969 as ‘Bookshop Gallery’, it later became Ceolfrith Arts Centre. In 1995, it became Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art. Despite these changes, the gallery’s commitment to innovative, experimental art has been constant.

During its time it has given UK premieres to various artists. From Sean Scully to Claes Oldenberg and Coosje van Bruggen. From Sam Taylor-Wood to Spartacus Chetwynd. It gave the first UK shows to Cory Arcangel and Harun Farocki before other galleries recognised their achievements.

Only in its current incarnation has the gallery begun to collect work from artists.
Our collection is a result of the exceptional generosity of artists we have worked with. Now Sunderland has its own collection telling the history of contemporary art.

The gallery also works with National Glass Centre to support ambitious artists interested in working with glass. We connect artists and world-leading makers based in the University of Sunderland to create innovative new work.

Countless orange, ceramic figures of varying size and shape are tightly packed into a room with concrete columns just visible to the rear.
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Two groups of people gather around photographs in black frames hanging on a wall in a grey exhibition space. Behind the people is a long black cushioned bench.
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A dark, grey, round room. Pictures are hanging on the wall and each has a ring of light around it. Along the bottom of the wall is a low railing to stop you from walking too close.
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A large grey room with concrete columns. In the centre of the room are wooden benches and there are pictures hanging on the walls.
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