Camden Art Centre in north London has secured its future for the next 99 years by purchasing the lease on its building, following a £1.9m fundraising campaign. The campaign, launched quietly nine months ago, reached its target quickly thanks to contributions from artists, galleries, trusts, foundations, and individuals. The building, owned by the London Borough of Camden, was previously held on a peppercorn lease for 23 years. Artists including Antony Gormley, Chantal Joffe, Alvaro Barrington, and Kara Walker supported the acquisition fund, while director Martin Clark emphasized the urgency of the deal, which had a 2027 deadline.
This acquisition matters because it provides long-term security and stability for Camden Art Centre, which marks its 60th anniversary this year and has become a vital part of the visual arts landscape both locally and internationally. Following Arts Council England funding cuts in 2022, buying the lease was a crucial step toward ensuring the institution's independence and ability to continue its acclaimed exhibition program. The centre has hosted major shows by artists such as Phyllida Barlow, Allison Katz, Mohammed Sami, and Hilma af Klint, and its ability to attract support from the art community underscores its reputation as a champion of emerging and established artists.