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Arnolfini launches its 50th annniversary year
"Arnolfini is one of a handful of the most significant contemporary cultural centres in Europe." Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate
"When we opened the Arnolfini, I wanted to put an inscription above the door for people to read as they came in - Enjoy Yourself." Jeremy Rees, Arnolfini founder
Arnolfini is 50 in 2011! We will be celebrating 50 years of presenting the very best in contemporary art in all its forms; visual, performance, music, cinema, sound and literature. Launching the anniversary on 18 February is an exhibition by Cosima von Bonin, which includes sculpture, installation, painting, textile, sound and performance, plus events, talks and music from Moritz von Oswald.
Established by three artists, Jeremy and Annabel Rees, and John Orsborn, Arnolfini began life in 1961 as a gallery above a bookshop on Triangle West in Clifton, moving to its current home on the Harbourside in 1975 and starting the regeneration of the whole area. The name was chosen by Jeremy Rees, after Jan van Eyck's C15th painting The Arnolfini Portrait, which hangs in the National Gallery.
Many thousands of artists and performers have been involved with Arnolfini since 1961, artists such as Gillian Ayres, Howard Hodgkin, Richard Long, and Martin Parr all appeared in Arnolfini's programme in the 60s and early ‘70s; most were little known at that time, often gaining their first opportunity before going on to long-term success, later artists such as Damien Hirst, Richard Long, Tracey Emin, and the now infamous Graffiti Art show which was staged in 1985, an inspiration to the likes of Banksy as well as Robert del Naja of Massive Attack, whose work appeared there. Plus, Turner Prize nominated artists such as Mona Hatoum, Peter Doig, Rachel Whiteread and, more recently, Mark Titchner all held exhibitions at Arnolfini.
Arnolfini is a space for ideas - a place that encourages experimentation and interaction with different artforms, in all spaces in the building. Dedicated to encouraging the practice and knowledge of the contemporary arts in the UK, Arnolfini is a dynamic centre for cultural activity, discussion and debate. We collaborate with local, national and international partners to present a diverse programme that combines innovation with a lively atmosphere of experimentation, enjoyment and inclusion.
Throughout its history, Arnolfini's founding principles have held true: a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, future-focused and championing new art and new ideas coupled with a drive to make contemporary art accessible for all. 2011 will be no different in ethos and promises ‘experimental blockbusters' throughout the year.
Arnolfini Director Tom Trevor comments, ‘Although Jeremy Rees' inscription never appeared above the door, the spirit remains, in this our 50th anniversary year - we hope you 'enjoy yourself'.
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