About
Contact & Visit Us | History | Staff & Trustees | Policies
198 Contemporary Arts and Learning is a public art gallery and hub for social engagement, education and creative enterprise. Our work is deeply rooted in our local communities and is influenced by the radical history of Railton Road and the Brixton uprisings.
Established in 1988, the organisation initially aimed to provide a platform for Afro-Caribbean and Asian artists as part of the blossoming Black Arts Movement. Over the last 35 years, our work has evolved, engaging with contemporary issues through exhibitions, workshops, educational projects, and critical debates with artists, thinkers, activists, young people, and local artistic communities. We advocate for diversity within the visual arts, offering opportunities for those aspiring to develop careers in the creative and cultural industries.
VISION
Our aspiration is to serve as a national beacon of artistic excellence, pushing creative boundaries and providing a platform for under-represented artists, communities, and cultures.
MISSION
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding arts, education, and enterprise programs. Our focus is on supporting emerging artists of colour, guiding them into the creative and cultural industries. Through impactful programming and strategic partnerships, we aim to shed light on hidden issues surrounding social change and emerging cultural identities.
Our Core Principles
Rooted in our community, we deeply value diversity, equality, and inclusion. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are the cornerstones that guide our actions. We champion artistic excellence, defending freedom of expression. Our commitment extends to promoting personal development, ensuring opportunities abound for both our audiences and participating communities.
Recognising that impactful change requires collective effort, we foster genuine partnerships and collaboration with organisations and individuals who share our values and aspirations.
Our Collaborative Approach
198, as a small and agile organisation, has achieved national impact by embracing experimentation and challenges. We fearlessly venture into developing innovative projects in collaboration with upcoming artists, curators, educators, and partner organisations.
Governed by a board of trustees working hand in hand with staff and stakeholders, our strategic direction is collectively shaped. As a registered charity, we operate in the public interest, generating funds through enterprise, donations, and grants. We work with partners across the private, public, and community sectors to shape our artistic program, foster community participation, and engage audiences.
Our Diverse Network of Partners
Our partners span from local government departments, membership organisations, and professional bodies to educational institutions, arts organisations, development agencies, and community groups.
Key collaborators include Arts Council England, Lambeth Council, Greater London Authority, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Walcott Foundation, Capita PLC, Power to Change Community Business Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Cockayne Trust, Span Trust, Arnold Clark Community Fund.
In addition, we work closely with like-minded organisations such as Photofusion, Autograph ABP, etc. If your organisation is interested in collaborating with 198, please reach out to Lucy Davies: lucy@198.org.uk