Diversity & Inclusion

At The Naughton Gallery, we are dedicated to celebrating diversity in all its forms. Our exhibitions, commissions, events, and acquisitions are developed with a deep commitment to inclusivity, bringing together a variety of voices and perspectives.
 
We actively seek to collaborate with artists from a wide spectrum of backgrounds—across gender, race, religion, politics, age, sexuality, and ability—to ensure that our gallery is truly reflective of the world around us. By amplifying underrepresented voices and showcasing vital new perspectives, we strive to present art that resonates with the global community.

Between the relaunch of our core programme in June 2016 and December 2024, the Gallery has exhibited work by over 190 visual artists. 

 - 55% of the exhibited artists have been male. 

- 40% of the exhibited artists have been female. 

- 5% of the exhibited artists have been non-binary. 

- 53% of the Gallery’s solo exhibitions have been presented by male artists. 

- 41% of the Gallery’s solo exhibitions have been presented by female artists. 

- 6% of the Gallery's solo exhibitions have been presented by non-binary artists.

- 23% of the exhibited artists have been from the LGBTQ+ community. 

- 38% of the exhibited artists have been People of Colour. 

- 72% of the exhibited artists have been based internationally. 

- 84% of the exhibited artists have never shown work in Northern Ireland. 

- Commissions and acquisitions for the University’s permanent Collection have been by 57% male artists and 43% female artists.

ARTISTIC FREEDOM

The works which this institution exhibits may awe, illuminate, challenge, unsettle, confound, provoke, and, at times, offend. We defend the freedom to create content and exhibit such work anywhere in the world, and we recognise the privilege of living in a country where creating, exhibiting, and experiencing such work is a fundamental right.

To exhibit a work of art is not necessarily to endorse the work or the vision, ideas, and opinions of the artist. It is to uphold the right of all to experience diverse visions and views. If and when controversies arise from the exhibition of a work of art, we welcome public discussion and debate with the belief that such discussion is integral to the experience of the art. Consistent with our commitment to freedom of speech, we do not censor exhibitions in response to political or ideological pressure.