Established by Christian Mooney in 2007, Arcade offers a programme of exhibitions and a constantly evolving platform of performances, live events, talks and publications. Through these varied formats, we aim to find new modes of presentation exploring the developments and complexities in contemporary art, across a range of practices, media and concerns.

Both in London and internationally, Arcade has sought to support working artists and demonstrate how experimental practice in the visual arts can have a vital relevance in public life. Initially we took the form of a traditional commercial gallery as the best basis for materialising these aims, but we are now proud to announce that we have changed status to become a Community Interest Company (CIC). Community for us means the community of artists that make up the gallery as well as the various local communities we live and work amongst. 

This new structure will better represent Arcade’s vision. Surplus profit will now be specifically directed to public programmes serving the wider community. Arcade has always been an experimental platform for contemporary culture. Becoming a CIC represents a development of that vision, and an attempt to respond strategically to the shifting social and political landscape. Rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for investors and owners, our focus is driven by the need to tackle a wide range of social and environmental issues, utilising our business strategies and partnerships to achieve public good.   

In late 2023 we will open our new South East London location in Peckham. It’s an area we know well and which will allow us to build on our existing relationship with Flat Time House, and new alliances with local charities INTOART and THE NEST in a collaborative effort to manifest real social change, and reflecting the many socially engaged artistic practises we have the pleasure to support.

Arcade

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