Contemporary department

Mat Collishaw, Magic Lantern, V&A Dome

Established in 1999, the department works to strengthen links between current creative practice and the V&A’s programmes and collections.

Through a varied and timely programme of exhibitions and events hosted in the Porter Gallery and throughout the Museum, as well as new commissions and online and offsite projects, the Contemporary Programme showcases the best of global contemporary art and design – including fashion, furniture, product design, craft, graphic design, digital media, architecture and photography – and considers the interrelationship between these art forms.
Working with innovative artists and designers, the department thrives on delivering an interactive visitor experience and engaging diverse audiences.

The Contemporary Programme takes a multi-stranded approach, devising, curating and project managing a diverse and critically acclaimed programme consisting of:

• Two major exhibitions per year, primarily in the Porter Gallery – but not exclusively.
• Site-specific commissions for the John Madejski Garden, the V&A tunnel entrance and other gallery and public spaces both within and beyond the Museum’s walls.
• Major new initiatives, such as the ThinkTank debate series in 2008 and The Concise Dictionary of Dress project in 2010 in collaboration with Artangel;
  

  Friday Late event

• The perennially popular Friday Late series – curated evening events held onthe last Friday of the month, centred on themes relating to the V&A exhibition programme or other main cultural events. The evenings feature a range of talks, performances and workshops encouraging visitors to actively participate in the evening’s events. Friday Lates regularly attract up to 6,000 visitors per night.

For general enquiries, contact Kaia Charles, Office Manager/ PA to Head of Contemporary Programmes, on +44(0)20 7942 2463, or k.charles@vam.ac.uk