Frequently asked questions

A NEW CHAPTER FOR SIDE

Side is going through change, but the work, the values, and our dedication to our community remain. This updated FAQ shared where we are now, why some difficult decisions were made, and how Side is moving forward. 

The closure of Side Gallery has been hard for all of us. At the same time, the work, values, and community that make Side what it is continue. The collection is safe, our mission is intact, and we are building a resilient future that allows Side to keep doing our work in a sustainable and open way. 

1. What is Side’s purpose as an organisation?

Since 1977, Side has focused on documentary that is grounded, accountable and shaped with the people it speaks about. Our work has always been about more than a building. 

We exist to:

• Champion humanist documentary photography

• Preserve working-class and marginalised histories from the North East and beyond

• Support artists tell urgent, truthful stories

• Create space for dialogue, solidarity, and community

As we move into our new phase, these values have not changed. What has changed is how we deliver this work, so it can be enjoyed by the most people and can continue for the long term. 

2. Is Side Gallery permanently closed?

Unfortunately following a thorough business consultation process and a sustained fundraising effort over the past two years, we have made the difficult decision to give up the tenancy of our Quayside gallery.

Running a permanent gallery building was no longer financially viable in the current funding climate and the decision was made to stabilise the organisation and safeguard the AmberSide Collection

We know how much the Quayside space meant to people, and this decision was not taken lightly. Rather than risk losing Side altogether, we have had to focus our resources on what matters most:

• Protecting the AmberSide Collection

• Supporting documentary artists and local communities

• Developing exhibitions, education programmes, and access to our collection in ways that reach more people than ever before

Side will remain visible, active, and rooted in its founding values, just not limited to one building. 

3. What’s next for Side?

Side is entering a new phase focused on collaboration, access, and sustainability.  While some announcements are under embargo until the new year, we can share that:

• Side will present curated physical exhibitions though new platforms and partners

• There will be in-person programming across the region, including exhibitions, talks, and education work

• The AmberSide Collection will be stored safely and professionally, with improved access for research, education, and public engagement

• We are working with cultural, educational, and community partners across the North East and beyond

• Reduced overheads mean more resources go directly into exhibitions, community work, and collection care.

Side is not becoming digital only. Physical activity and regional presence are central to what comes next. 

4. Why did Side Gallery close?

Side Gallery closed to the public in April 2023 following severe funding cuts and rising operating costs. 

Thanks to public support through the #SaveSide campaign, we were able to keep the organisation alive while we explored every possible route forward. That time was crucial. It allowed us to secure new funding and help rebuild the organisation properly. 

Over the past year, it became clear that reopening the gallery on the same basis would not be financially responsible. Rather than stretch resources too thin and risk permanent closure for the whole organisation, we have chosen a model that supports exhibitions, community work, and collection care without the risks tied to a single building. 

The decision was a sad but necessary one to protect Side for the long term. 

5. What is happening to the Quayside Building?

Amber Film & Photography CIC (Side’s governing body) has never owned the Side Gallery buildings. In 2024 The Amber Partners (our founders who were independent to Side and our governance structure) sold the Quayside location to a new property owner, whilst a long-term lease was agreed in this transition, unfortunately the burden of this financial cost, along with other operational expenses, was larger than fundraising and arts/heritage grants were able to maintain. 

The site is currently owned and managed by the landlord, and decisions about future tenants sit outside of Side’s control. The former Side Gallery space now has a new tenant, who took possession of the space in December 2025. The landlord is continuing to find tenants across the wider site including Side Cinema.

Our Quayside base has been an important part of Side’s history, but Side’s work is no longer tied to a single location. Our focus now is on how and where people encounter our work, news of which will be released at the beginning of 2026. 

6. What happened to the #SaveSide donations?

Donations to #SaveSide were used as stated at the time of the campaign. Even while closed, Side faced unavoidable costs including rent, insurance, energy standing charges, essential maintenance, and minimal staffing and platform fees. 

The donations received covered these costs until December 2023 and briefly supported fundraising capacity into early 2024. Most importantly, this time allowed us to apply for major funding. 

As a direct result, Side secured funding from:

• The National Lottery Heritage Fund

• Arts Council England

• The National Archives

• Community Foundation

Without the #SaveSide campaign, Side would have entered permanent closure.

7. What’s happening to the AmberSide Collection? Is it Safe?

The AmberSide Collection is safe and protected.

It is owned by the AmberSide Collection Trust, a registered charity established to preserve and conserve the archive, ensure public access, and protect Amber’s legacy beyond the retirement of its founders. 

Ownership formally transferred to the Trust in June 2023. The Collection is protected by an asset lock and governed by strict ethical obligations that respect artists, participants, and communities. IT belongs to the public and is safeguarded for the future. 

8. Who is running Side now?

Side is run day to day by a small, experienced team.  Since 2010, it has been operated by the Amber Film & Photography Collective CIC, supported by a Non-Executive Board appointed in 2022. 

From 2026, a refreshed AmberSide Trust (CIO) will take on full operational, financial, and management responsibility for Side, providing clear governance, accountability, and long-term stability. 

9. When will you announce partnerships and future plans?

We will share more details at the start of the new year, including our partnership and exhibition plans. 

We are a small team and will be closed over the holiday period, so we appreciate your patience while announcements are prepared carefully and responsibly. 

10. I’m a journalist. Who should I contact?

Please fill out our contact form and mark the subject line “Press Enquiry”

By submitting your enquiry you will receive our full press release in the New Year and questions will be answered formally at this time. 

Thank you for your support for us and our work during this transition period, we look forward to a more sustainable future and sharing important work with you all for years to come.