Join us for the switch-on of a public artwork created by designer and Near Now Fellowship alumnus Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad, in collaboration with Lenton residents.
Commissioned by Primary and co-produced by Near Now through the Near Now Fellowship, the artwork takes the form of an LED light display, situated on the side of the Savoy Cinema.
The artwork will share over 50 definitions of ‘Lentonness’ submitted by Lenton residents.
Join us to mark the launch of the project with a free community celebration and BBQ.
Project background
In 2018, as part of Making Place, Primary's long-term programme focusing on learning from the city and use of public space, Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad ran workshops with Lenton residents, sharing stories, images, and myths about the local area. Through this process, the group distilled a question to ask the wider public in the area: ‘What is Lentonness?’ The varied personal responses from across the neighbourhood provided the raw material for a collective definition of ‘Lentonness’ – which will keep on growing.
The responses gathered so far, featured in the artwork, give a rich picture of the many things that Lenton means to local people – from long-term residents, elders and children, to new communities and students – at a time when the neighbourhood has undergone significant changes. The definitions offer snapshots of place, memories, humour, poetry, loss and hope from Lenton residents: riding the lifts in the now demolished flats; writing poetry on napkins; the struggle to maintain community; jacket potatoes; and understanding ‘wha worrit thingy said’.
The artwork will be on display for six months and during this time there will be the opportunity for new contributions to be added. There will be an accompanying programme of events including a guided walk and talks.
Thanks to everyone involved in creating the project: Thomas Helwys Baptist Church, Lenton Drives and Neighbours Residents Association, Edna G Olds Primary School, and all the local residents who have contributed their definitions.
Thanks to the Savoy Cinema for hosting the artwork, Councillor Sarah Piper, Nottingham City Homes, Castle Cavendish and the University of Nottingham for supporting the launch event.
Lentonness was commissioned by Primary as part of the ‘Making Place’ programme, and was produced in partnership with Near Now, Broadway’s studio for arts, design and innovation, supported using public funding by the Arts Council England. The project is kindly supported by Near Neighbours and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.