With the opening of ‘A Decade of Exhibitions’ we caught up with our Visual Arts Assistant Rebecca Wymant, who developed the show and publication, to learn more about there process and how everything came together.

An exhibition that brings together archival material and visitor participation, the show looking back on the opening of the galleries, were we have presented more than 65 exhibitions featuring over 300 artists. Ranging from major solo presentations to experimental group exhibitions, the programme has encompassed painting, sculpture, installation, performance, sound, and digital practice. Throughout, the galleries have been spaces for dialogue, risk-taking, and discovery.

What is the significance of the publication ‘A Decade of Exhibitions’?

“The publication is an essential archival record, preserving the exhibitions, artists, and projects that have shaped Attenborough Arts Centre over the last ten years. Beyond documenting the exhibitions, it reflects Attenborough Arts Centres identity and values, highlighting its commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and experimental artistic practice, and ensures that its legacy is visible to future generations. The publication also celebrates the contributions of artists, curators, staff, producers, and community collaborators, making their work and perspectives visible and valued.”

How was the experience of developing and completing the publication?

“Developing and completing the publication was both an intensive research process and a deeply reflective experience, it was like a massive treasure hunt finding hidden gems. The project involved immersing myself in ten years of archives, catalogues, press materials and photography, while also gathering stories from artists, curators and staff who have shaped the programme over time.

As the material took shape, patterns began to emerge across the decade: recurring themes in the work presented such as disability and activism, environmental issues, identity and representation, mental health and youth creativity, long-term collaborations with artists, and a growing commitment to inclusive practice and access. The process required careful editorial decision-making balancing celebration with critical reflection, and finding ways to honour the complexity of each exhibition while shaping a coherent story of Attenborough Art Centres development. Writing and editing became an exercise in refinement, compressing years of activity into a form that remained accessible without losing nuance.

The design stage brought the publication to life, allowing the visual language of the exhibitions to come through. Seeing the publication take its final form, which was created by Designer Sam Aylward from the University of Leicester Creative Design Team, shaped a strong sense of collective pride, not only in what had been achieved over the decade, but in the collaborative effort required to represent it.”

Which exhibition did you personally find the most interesting?

“During my time at Attenborough Arts Centre, I contributed to numerous exhibitions from 2022 onwards, but one that particularly resonated with me was Letty McHugh: Anchorage. This was one of the first exhibitions I supported as a Curatorial Trainee, making it especially formative for my development as a curator.

Working closely with Letty provided hands-on experience in artist liaison, spatial planning, and translating a sensitive, concept-driven practice into a public-facing exhibition. Experiencing the work first-hand, I was struck by its immersive, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant qualities: the gallery was transformed into a quiet, contemplative space that rendered the abstract experience of isolation both tangible and profoundly human. Anchored in Letty’s personal experiences of chronic illness and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibition conveyed emotional depth while also speaking universally to solitude, resilience, and the human need for connection. This process shaped my understanding of curating as a practice rooted in care, sensitivity, and intentional spatial storytelling, making Anchorage not just an artwork to observe, but a space to inhabit emotionally and intellectually – an experience that stayed with me long after leaving the gallery.”

What does ‘Art for All’ mean to you?

“‘Art For All’ means more than simply providing access to events or exhibitions, it’s about removing barriers that can make arts spaces feel intimidating, and creating an environment where people feel welcome the moment they arrive. ‘Art for All’ also means representation matters: people should be able to see themselves, their identities, and their experiences reflected in the work we present and in the people who make and support it. Ultimately, it means helping to create a space where no one feels they have to earn the right to be there, they already belong.

Returning to Attenborough Arts Centre to create this book felt really special. Working with such a supportive team and being part of this milestone was a meaningful experience for me, and I hope the book is enjoyed by many.”

Thank you, Rebecca, for your incredible work and contributions to our celebrations!

‘A Decade of Exhibitions’ is available now in our shop and to view online by clicking here. Visit the interactive show ‘A Decade of Exhibitions’ in our Salmon Gallery for free now until 3 May 2026.