NN Contemporary Art, in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, is delighted to announce that leading UK contemporary artist Giles Round has been commissioned to design a brand new community space for the town.

The Civic Reading Room will open in 2024 as a vibrant space for reading, making and contemplation. The designs for the space take inspiration from local buildings including 78 Derngate (Rennie Mackintosh house), The Guildhall and the National Lift Tower. Designed in collaboration with studio-holders and local artists, the room is set to become a social sculpture, designed as a meeting point and resource for artists and community members alike to develop creative projects and local knowledge.

The Civic Reading Room will be located on the ground floor of 24 Guildhall Road, the new five-storey cultural hub and new home of NN Contemporary Art, which is set to open to the public in spring 2024.  As well as the reading room, Round has also been commissioned to design a reception/coffee bar, community kitchen, artist lounge area and accessible bathroom for the centre. 

Giles Round is one of the UK’s leading contemporary artists, creating work for the likes of the Hayward Gallery, Kew Gardens and London Underground and launching the decorative arts company Grantchester Pottery. Known for employing geometric patterns and monochromatic designs,  Round’s work is collaborative, grown through a deep engagement with people and place. As well as being inspired by Northampton’s local architecture, his designs for 24 Guildhall Road have been developed in collaboration through a series of workshops and consultation events.

Emer Grant, CEO and Artistic Director, NN Contemporary Art, said:

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Giles Round. It was a competitive process through which many exciting designs came forward for the space. Giles Round’s painterly approach to spatial collaboration stood out as a unique prospect for staging and encouraging the visibility of a new creative community. The Civic Reading Room will be a truly unique space.