New Art Exchange (NAE)
Eskimo, an independent design studio based in Nottingham, England, was commissioned to develop the identity for New Art Exchange (NAE), the largest gallery in the UK dedicated to contemporary visual arts and committed to advancing diversity and equity in the creative industries. Located in Hyson Green, one of Nottingham’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, NAE is situated in a community with a significant population of Black British, Asian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and African residents. I supported Eskimo as a freelance contract designer, contributing to the identity design process from early concepts through final execution.
Collaborators & Credits
Creative Directors: Simon James Brown & Emma Shepherd
Designers: Maurizio Masi, Heather Knott
Discovery
Eskimo brought together local business owners and community members who make up NAE’s stakeholders for a discovery session. Through simple creative exercises, we listened closely to what mattered most to the community at the start of the design process.
Process-Driven
The final iteration of the logo, designed by Emma Shepherd, with a glimpse of the numerous versions explored in the studio.
Collaborative Practice
Hawkins\Brown, a London-based firm, designed the building, which was under construction at the time. We met with Harbinder Birdi, head of infrastructure, who shared insights into the building’s design and role in the community. For the final NAE presentation, I created a process poster illustrating the development phases that informed the outcome.
