Gallery rejects whistleblower claims of ‘toxic workplace’

Nottingham Contemporary has pushed back against claims that the gallery’s leadership has enabled a “toxic and oppressive work environment,” telling Arts Professional it is “firmly committed” to fostering a “safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace”.

Director Salma Tuqan said that although the allegations came from a single source, claiming to be a whistleblower group, the gallery takes them “seriously”, adding that “open communication and regular feedback are central to how we continue to strengthen our internal culture”.

Tuqan added that the organisation has established an employee forum as a “safe and open space for dialogue around any staff concerns”.

The claims, shared anonymously with media outlets and funders, included allegations that several trustees had resigned in recent months due to “a loss of confidence in the gallery’s leadership” and “deteriorating financial and institutional stability,” claiming that “private donors had withdrawn their financial support”.

Nottingham Contemporary’s most recent accounts for the year ending March 2024 reported that nine trustees had resigned since December 2023, compared with four in the previous year.

“Over the past year, there have been trustees who have stepped down from our board – some due to capacity and personal commitments and others as part of a natural cycle of board renewal,” said Tuqan.

“While there have been a range of perspectives among trustees, departures have reflected individual circumstances and opinions rather than a single issue or viewpoint.”

She added that private donations to Nottingham Contemporary had increased in recent years and that the board and major donors “remain fully supportive of the organisation, staff and current leadership team”.

Ongoing risks

The gallery’s accounts report income of £2.23m last year, compared with £2.25m the previous year, while spending reduced by 7% to £2.16m resulting in an operating surplus.

The accounts state that the gallery had experienced a reduction in income from Nottingham Trent University, as well as from benefactors, donations and fundraising.

It also highlighted possible withdrawal of funding from Arts Council England or Nottingham City Council as the most significant potential risks the gallery faces.

However, the accounts concluded that the gallery has sufficient cash reserves to support its operations and liabilities for the foreseeable future.

“Together, we are navigating the challenging times facing the sector nationwide,” said Tuqin.

‘Politically charged’ claims

The whistleblower group also alleged that the gallery’s programming has become more “politically charged” in its focus, which it believes has “alienated large parts of the community”.

In February, following the programming of a Palestinian film festival organised by the group Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), the Charity Commission confirmed it had opened a compliance case to assess concerns raised in connection with “alleged activity in support of causes connected to the Middle East”.

The Commission noted that the process was not a statutory inquiry and that the case, which had not yet made any findings, would determine what role, if any, the regulator might play.

Previously, defending the decision to host a “day of Palestinian music, dance, and food and a Palestinian Film Festival”, Nottingham Contemporary said the event was an “entirely normal” part of its charitable mission to collaborate with artists and organisations from its community, the UK and abroad.

Addressing the claims raised by whistleblowers, Turqan added, “We are dedicated to presenting contemporary art that reflects the complexities, histories, and social realities of our world and society.”

“Our programme embodies our commitment to collaboration, relevance, openness, and public dialogue. We are proud of the diverse audiences we serve in Nottingham and the region, and we look forward to continuing to build meaningful partnerships within our community.”