Camden (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Camden Art Centre secures a 99-year lease on its Grade II listed building, ensuring the long-term future of this vital London arts institution.
The London Borough of Camden, the local government, owns the building where Camden’s renowned programs are developed and presented.
The facility has been leased on a peppercorn lease for the past 23 years. After a significant fundraising drive started in early 2024 by Director Martin Clark, Deputy Director Moya Malekin, and the Board of Trustees, chaired by Guy Halamish, the institution has now obtained the lease from the Council, as the terms of that arrangement were set to expire in 2027.
By successfully raising £1.9 million, the fundraising effort ensures that the institution will continue to serve as a home for art, artists, and audiences for the next century.
Guy Halamish said:
“Securing the building at a time of deep uncertainty for the arts is a powerful testament to the integrity, resilience, and cultural significance of Camden Art Centre, which will be available to the public for the next 100 years, ensuring it remains a vital force in shaping and sustaining our creative communities.”
Martin Clark said:
“This is an extraordinary achievement for the charity and provides much-needed financial resilience, following significant recent cuts to our public funding. On the occasion of our 60th anniversary, I can think of no better way to both celebrate our past and look with confidence to our future.”
This historic achievement guarantees that Camden Art Centre’s globally recognized exhibitions, transformative residencies, and creative and inclusive public and educational programs will continue.
Camden Art Centre is appreciative of the Council’s shared dedication to the neighborhood and to giving artists, school groups, and the general public a place to interact with modern art.
Since 1965, Camden Art Centre has been at the center of London’s artistic and educational landscape.
In addition to housing a flagship program of artist-led educational initiatives for locals, schools, and youth, the building holds a special place in the UK’s visual art ecosystem for its innovative exhibition program, which supports and promotes some of the most important artists of our time.
Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture, said:
“This is fantastic news for our borough and for the wider London arts scene. We want everyone in Camden to have access to world-class cultural spaces that foster creative opportunities and community engagement.
The Camden Art Centre is a jewel in our community and securing this lease ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from its exhibitions, residencies, and vital public and learning programmes right here on their doorstep.”
International artists like Kara Walker, Kerry James Marshall, Amy Sillman, Laura Owens, Glenn Ligon, and Christopher Wool have been given their first significant UK platform, while artists such as Phyllida Barlow, Yinka Shonibare, Mike Nelson, Julien Creuzet, Walter Price, Allison Katz, and Mohammed Sami have been granted early institutional opportunities.
From artists who were part of early exhibitions like Contemporary African Art in 1970 to relatively unknown artists like Hilma af Klint in 2006, Forrest Bess in 2022, and Martin Wong in 2023, historically underappreciated and underrepresented artists have also had their debut exhibitions in the UK.
Antony Gormley said,
“I first exhibited work at Camden Art Centre in 1981 and the effect that the institution’s confidence in me had on my career was invaluable.
This is what is so important about Camden Art Centre, it finds talent and brings it to the public… If I want to see exciting artists, to hear the conversation now, I go to Camden Art Centre.”
Sadie Coles said that Camden Art Centre is for her a place of excellence: for the exhibition programme, the garden, the bookshop, and the ways it is both local and intimate, and an internationally recognised champion of artists.
The successful fundraising proves this is an arts organisation that is treasured for offering value and experiences that benefit all visitors.
The fundraising goal was met in such a short amount of time because of the generosity of a number of people, artists, galleries, and charities.
Camden Art Centre has been a hub for art and its creators since 1965. Internationally recognized and rooted in our neighborhood, they promote a feeling of community and a closer bond with art.
With their exhibitions, residencies, events, and educational programs, they hope to challenge boundaries and inspire individuals to be creative. Originally constructed as a public library, the building today features open, contemporary areas, historic architecture, and a private garden that is open to everyone for free.
In order to help artists and audiences develop and interact with the most important and motivating modern art and culture available, Camden Art Centre has always taken the lead.
How does the lease agreement secure Camden Art Centre’s long term future?
The center is shielded from abrupt rent hikes, lease cancellations, or property purchases by the landlord, all of which could jeopardize its ability to continue operating. Better financial planning is made possible by long-term leases, which offer predictable costs.
The agreement promotes continuity for artists, employees, and the community by guaranteeing that the center may carry on with its primary operations—exhibitions, education, and artist support—without running the risk of being forced to relocate.
The lease is enforceable against creditors or future owners after it is registered, thus it is still in effect even if the property is sold.
Because the center and its sponsors are confident in its continued presence and influence, the long-term commitment stimulates additional investment in the building and its programs.