New Contemporaries – 70 Years Young

To mark its 70th anniversary, New Contemporaries has developed a unique digital project that reflects the organisation’s history.

Since 1949 New Contemporaries has played a vital part in the story of contemporary British art, and has reflected as well as responded to developments in artistic practice, the changing landscape of galleries, and the role of art school education over nearly 70 years.

In 70 Years Young, the organisation has animated its past through a series of oral histories in the form of short video interviews, filmed with a dynamic range of artists, selectors and arts professionals drawn from its illustrious roster of alumni and selectors who have played a crucial role in NC’s story. Each interviewee discusses their participation in NC, the changes that they have seen in the art world and their perspective on the future development of contemporary art practice, education and institutions.

New Contemporaries 1965 Alumni Bruce McLean in ‘New Contemporaries 70 Years Young’

In this interview Bruce McLean speaks about his participation in the 1965 exhibition and his current practice.

Another New Contemporaries alumn,i Mark Wallinger speaks about his participation in the 1981 exhibition and his current practic

About this artist

New Contemporaries actively supports the next generation of contemporary visual artists, enabling talent to ensure the long-term sustainability of emerging practices.