The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) kicks off 2025 with a bold and inspiring season of contemporary art in London. From groundbreaking exhibitions to experimental performances, this is the place to engage with cutting-edge culture.
New Contemporaries: Emerging Artists Take Centre Stage
The celebrated New Contemporaries exhibition returns to the ICA from 15 January to 23 March 2025. Featuring 35 emerging UK-based artists, the show marks its 75th anniversary. Selected by renowned practitioners Liz Johnson Artur, Permindar Kaur, and Amalia Pica, the works explore themes like environmental decay, digital alienation, and kinship in modern society.
The exhibition is more than just static art. Highlights include:
•New Contemporaries Live (1 February): A platform for artists to present live experimental performances.
•Ballet for Non-Dancers (1 February): A unique movement workshop blending dance and visual inspiration.
•Film Screenings (19 & 26 February): Artist-selected films introduced with discussions on their creative influences.
•Exhibition Tour (6 March): Explore the themes of the show with ICA curators.
•Young New Contemporaries (15 March): A hands-on art-making session for all ages.
Looking ahead, the ICA also announces Nora Turato’s first UK solo exhibition in spring 2025. Known for her explorations of communication and identity, Turato’s work merges performance and graphic design in a thought-provoking showcase.
A Cinematic Celebration of Pioneering Voices
The ICA’s film programme shines a spotlight on visionary directors and new talent.
•Spectres: The Cinema of Jacques Rivette (20 February – 31 May): A deep dive into Rivette’s enigmatic films blending reality and fiction.
•London Short Film Festival (17-26 January): Discover bold and innovative storytelling in global short films.
•Japan Foundation Touring Programme (7-16 February): A must-see selection of Japanese cinema.
•Chantal Akerman Focus (March): A tribute to one of Europe’s most influential filmmakers.
Ongoing series like Off-Circuit and Celluloid Sundays will continue, featuring rare archival screenings and emerging global voices in film.
Live Performances: Where Music and Art Converge
The ICA’s live programme brings together boundary-pushing musicians and performers:
•Clarissa Connelly (19 February): Nordic-inspired melodies exploring mythology and nature.
•Jamilah Barry (26 February): A soulful sonic journey in her latest project Full Circle.
•Ex-Easter Island Head (8 March): Hypnotic soundscapes blending guitars, percussion, and melodic experimentation.
•Eli Keszler (11 March): Critically acclaimed percussionist creating immersive soundscapes.
The season also includes Teeth of the Sea (23 January) and Simeon Barclay’s performance The Ruin (16 January), blending spoken word and music to explore British identity.
Nurturing New Voices Through Talks and Workshops
The ICA’s Talks & Learning series continues to amplify diverse perspectives.
•ICA Creatives x Pesolife (11 January – 22 March): Free workshops for ages 16-30 exploring music production and everyday soundscapes.
•Youth Forum (Launching February 2025): A six-month programme reimagining how young voices engage with contemporary art.
•A Nice Magazine Launch (5 February): Celebrating photographer Hanna Moon’s latest issue, merging art and fashion.
Experience Contemporary Art in London Like Never Before
The ICA’s dynamic programme highlights its commitment to fostering artistic innovation and new voices. With exhibitions, film retrospectives, live performances, and youth-focused workshops, the ICA offers something for every art lover.
Plan your visit to explore some of the most vital contemporary art in London. For full details and tickets, visit ica.art.
