Friends Of The Nicholson – Ongoing

Be Part of Something New at The Nicholson Institute! 

A Room Full Of People Watching A Speaker
A Group Of People

Be Part of Something New at The Nicholson Institute! 

The Friends of the Nicholson Institute are a group of local Moorlands residents who are shaping the future of the Nicholson Institute, the library, museum and gallery. 

Over the last few months we have developed strategies and made plans for marketing, operations, volunteering, fundraising, content creation and programming. We’ve been on trips to inspirational museums and public spaces and chatted to museum professionals. With the museum set to reopen later in 2026, we’re now busy putting our plans into action.  

We’d love you to get involved. Whether you’ve loved museums forever – or never really felt they were your thing – this is your chance to make it yours. 

  • Are you curious?
  • Want to make your voice heard in how your community’s stories are told?
  • Got ideas (or just enthusiasm) to share?

Whether you’ve got loads of time or just a little, whether you’re creative, organised, a people-person or a behind-the-scenes type – there’s a place for you here. You could help shape events, plan exhibitions, grow community connections, support operations and be part of a fresh, inclusive future for The Nicholson Institute.

No experience needed – just your perspective and passion. Let’s make The Nicholson a space where everyone feels at home.

Any Questions? Get in touch at hello@outsidearts.org.uk

What’s next?

 

Upcoming Meetings

  • Wider Friends Group meeting – 4.30pm-6pm, Wednesday 11th November, Moorlands House, Leek
  • Shop meeting – 10am-11am, Tuesday 24th November, Online
  • Trustee meeting – 4.30pm-6pm, Wednesday 2nd December, The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery
  • Wider Friends Group meeting – 4.30pm-6pm, Wednesday 9th December, The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery
  • Shop meeting – 10am-11am, Tuesday 15th December, The Nicholson Institute Museum & Art Gallery

 

Object Roadshow

We’re taking the museum on the road! 

A brand new museum handling box has been created and we’re taking it to public spaces, schools and more around the Moorlands. Centred on the textile heritage of the area the objects spark conversation and remenisance about the industry that was once such a feature of local industry. Alongside the objects we have a number of texile inspired family friendly activities including weaving and puppet making. 

If you work with or know of any local groups or organisations that would enjoy hosting the object collection please share this information with them and contact us at nicholson@outsidearts.org. 

 

Volunteer at the Nicholson Museum and Gallery

The Friends of The Nicholson Museum and Gallery are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the team as they prepare for the museum’s reopening in Autumn 2026.

Help bring the Nicholson Museum and Gallery to life! We’re looking for volunteers to support:

  • Visitor welcome and gallery stewarding
  • Storytelling and interpretation as a museum explainer
  • Museum shop activities
  • Learning and school programmes
  • Collections care and research projects

There are also lots of behind-the-scenes roles too:

  • Programming and exhibition planning
  • Operational delivery and development
  • Fundraising and partnerships
  • Community engagement and content creation

Why Volunteer at the Nicholson Museum and Gallery?

Volunteering at the Nicholson Institute is a great way to meet new people and develop new skills, all while working with an incredible collection at the heart of your community. Most importantly, you’ll help tell your community’s stories and play a part in shaping a fresh, inclusive future for the Nicholson.

Whether you have lots of time or just a little, whether you’re creative, organised, a people-person or prefer behind-the-scenes work, there’s a place for you here.

No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. Full training will be provided for all roles.

Click here for more information and to sign up to get involved.

Reimagine: Celebrating our volunteers

Behind the transformation of the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery is a dedicated group of volunteers who have contributed their time, knowledge, experience and skills over the past 18 months.

To recognise their invaluable contribution, Cultural Services Officer Amelia curated a special display called ‘Reimagine’. Each volunteer was invited to loan an object that represents them and share its story, alongside a reflection on how they became involved and the role they played in the redevelopment.

Together, these objects and personal stories celebrate the people who helped reimagine the Nicholson behind the scenes, giving visitors an insight into the passion, enthusiasm and community spirit that brought the project to life.

One of the volunteers, Chloe, first became involved at Leek Butter Market, helping to raise awareness of the reopening project, recruit new volunteers and encourage younger visitors to build the Nicholson from Lego. Since then, she has contributed to meetings, visits and activities, balancing volunteering around work and family life.

Reflecting on her experience, Chloe says:

“The group is engaging, collaborative and thoughtful; and I’m so proud to be a part of it and see what comes next.”

She also has a welcoming message for anyone considering getting involved:

“Whether to learn, contribute, connect (or all of the above), in any capacity, there is a welcome space here for you at the Nicholson!”

The ‘Reimagine’ display is a wonderful tribute to the people whose contributions have helped shape the Nicholson’s future.