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.

In 2021 Arcade shifted its legal status from a small business to a Community Interest Company (CIC) in order to respond to two key questions:

How can we support important and necessary practices where artists innovate and take risks, in form, subject, or modes of social engagement?

How can we address art’s impact on society, which can only happen with a truly democratic and inclusive audience?

These two questions and the communities they represent are deeply entwined. To answer them we are in the process of refining our business model, a gallery and event space with a kitchen, which will use food as a form of care, inclusivity, social glue, and revenue stream that can answer these questions in mutually reinforcing and beneficial ways.

Over time we have witnessed a common bond within our community, patrons, artists, business connections, and social institutions alike, that culture is fundamentally a space of human connection. Our programming around food, performance, and discussion has grown in importance, emphasising process alongside product, and community alongside commerce. This evolution, while breaking the mould of what is normally understood as an “art gallery,” is in fact a natural step shaped by the wishes and dreams of our clients, artists, patrons, and publics.

Our new space on the edge of Southwark and Lewisham marks the next chapter. Here, we will host exhibitions, community-led projects, and a food programme, alongside partnerships with cultural organisations, charities, and grassroots initiatives. We continue to work closely with Flat Time House, the home of John Latham and the Artist Placement Group, whose example of embedding artists in civic, social, and commercial contexts resonates deeply with our mission today.