The Institute of Contemporary Art.

The Institute of Contemporary Art consists of two galleries, private function rooms, a theatre, a bookshop, a bar and a café. Established in 1947 by a group of artists, poets and writers, the ICA was set up to as a vehicle for a variety of art forms and contemporary culture. Over the past sixty years the ICA has been heavily involved with new artistic movements and developments within the arts. Many performers, artists and writers have started out on their artistic careers, via the ICA.

The ICA is governed by a council of thirteen people who meet every two months to discuss the aims, objectives and success of the ICA. They monitor performance, and ensure necessary resources are put in place to meet its objectives. The council decides the artistic route of the ICA and sets its principles.

ICA Education pushes itself to maintain a strong relationship with schools colleges and surrounding communities. To encourage creativity and the public’s involvement with the arts. Each exhibition is partnered with a schools and colleges programme. The teachers can also download resources via the ICA website.

The ICA are also involved with their local communities, and have become a site for young people with learning difficulties to explore their interests within art and music. Currently, six students from the charity, Pursuing Independent Pathways are taking part in a programme led by artist Emily Candela. The group meet once a week and post podcasts of their experiences on the ICA Education website.

The ICA’s first exhibition was held in the basement of the Academy Cinema in Oxford Street, entitled “40 years of Modern Art: A Selection from British Collections.” Following that the ICA put on an exhibition, “40,000 years of Modern Art” as a way of putting forward internationally and ethnically diverse art to the audience.

During the sixties the ICA moved to a new building, giving way to the possibility of stage productions, on a bigger scale than the play readings which had been held in previous years. The ICA now showed in-house films, and presented contemporary music composers.

The 70’s saw live art become increasingly important to the ICA, and in 80’s saw bands including The Smiths and Sonic Youth perform.

Film and live art continue to play an important role within the ICA.