50th Anniversary Lecture Series

In 2015/16 Camden Arts Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary and, to mark the occasion, we are presenting five lectures looking at the important role public institutions such as Camden Arts Centre have played in making art accessible for everyone, fostering careers of artists and showcasing challenging work over 50 years. The series of talks will invite back artists from our archive of ambitious exhibitions, events and residencies who, alongside prominent curators and theorists, will discuss how institutions today are building upon this history. Focusing on the establishment of public institutions in the 1960’s, alternatives to conventional art education, globalization of the art world, residencies and philanthropy in the arts, the talks will consider how we can develop sustainable cultures of change, giving prominence to and nurturing under represented and emerging artists during uncertain times for the arts.

Talk 1: 1960s and the Public Institution
Talk 2: Alternative Art Education
Talk 3: Artists' Residencies 
Talk 4: Redefining Narratives of Contemporary Culture
Talk 5: Philanthropy and the Arts

Alongside the talks we will be publishing a reader, which will feature texts by invited writers responding to and expanding upon the themes of the five talks.

#CAC50

Supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, The London Community Foundation and Cockayne – Grants for the Arts. Special thanks to Camden Council, the Royal Academy and the Kenneth Armitage Foundation  

Please note that bookings are non-transferable and non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the Centre.