Nottingham City Council has accepted a nomination to list the lower ground, first, and second floors of Alfred House on Ashley Street as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The authority says that the decision acknowledges the critical role the building plays in supporting local artists and community initiatives.
The nomination for Alfred House was submitted by Matthew Chesney on behalf of Backlit Limited, an arts organisation that occupies the floors of the Victorian red brick building.
The structure is situated in the Sneinton Market Conservation Area, an area characterised by a mix of commercial, leisure, and residential properties. Backlit Limited, a registered charity, has been operating from Alfred House since 2011, providing creative studio space and a public art gallery that caters to the Nottingham community.
The building offers affordable creative spaces and hosts a range of exhibitions, events, and workshops accessible to diverse community groups. Over the years, Backlit has established itself as a leading arts organisation, promoting regional creative growth and supporting emerging local artists.
Backlit’s contribution extends beyond the arts, focusing on key areas such as mental health, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). It has built strategic partnerships with educational and industry leaders, including Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham, and several local and national art institutions.
Backlit’s activities have a positive impact on the local community. Each year, the organisation supports over 900 people in career and skill development through community projects, work placements, and commissions. It provides employment for a team of eight and offers work for 46 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The live and online audiences for Backlit’s events reach over 1.9 million individuals annually.
Backlit is home to 120 artists, collectives, and associate members, offering a creative haven that has been operating at full capacity since 2020. It supports diverse groups, including the Women’s Refuge, Nottingham Refuge Forum, and the LGBTQ+ community, providing a platform for engagement and artistic expression.
