How Your Support Helps
Thanks to your support, more people have enjoyed access to the transformative benefits of visual art and Modern Art Oxford remains one of the UK’s leading modern and contemporary art spaces. The gallery provides a progressive counterpoint to the city’s historic narrative, enhancing Oxford’s visibility, contributing to a thriving local economy and inclusive cultural ecology.
Early Years and Families
Modern Art Oxford brings families, carers and children together in moments of shared creativity that stimulate the senses, build curiosity, offer support and friendship. Your generosity enables a broad programme, catering for visitors of all abilities and needs, including: specially curated exhibition tours, sensory backpacks, activity sheets, art-making workshops and sensory play.
“What I loved about Make Play was how unique the experience was. I have never taken my daughter to an activity where her curiosity led her out of her comfort zone. She almost forgot her normal nerves because she was so intrigued. I am so thankful to have an activity with her I know we can go to and both fully enjoy.”
– Make Play parent
Education 16+
Whether in or out of formal school settings, Modern Art Oxford invites young people to explore their creativity, voice their ideas, access new networks, make new friends and learn about careers in the arts. With your support, more young people are empowered to pursue their artistic ambitions, whether as a personal interest or professional aspiration.
“[Taking part in Young Creatives Socials] made me feel better about sharing my art + has let me meet more people and be inspired by their thoughts, processes, and art.”
– Young participant 2023
Adults and Communities
Through non-prescriptive, experiential learning, Modern Art Oxford empowers individuals and sets up new dialogues between audiences, artists, curators and academics. Participants explore new interests and skills; they acquire confidence and the expertise to pursue creative goals.
“Loneliness is a big problem, especially after Covid and for those living alone. It is great to be able to go out to sessions like these and socialise. It is good for both physical and mental health.”
– Older participant, Oxford Community Centre workshops 2023
Supporting Artists
Artists at critical points in their career are offered the time, space and professional guidance to experiment and push their practice in new directions. Thanks to a strong commissioning tradition, committed to supporting underrepresented artists, Modern Art Oxford has provided career-defining opportunities to artists from around the globe. The gallery has presented 30+ Turner Prize-nominated shows since the prize was established in 1984, including award winning Lubaina Himid (2017) and Jesse Darling (2023).
“What most allowed me to develop my practice was the ability to use [the gallery] as an extension of my studio… One aspect of working [with Modern Art Oxford] that exceeded my expectations was the very human approach to maintaining an art institution, in contrast to the distant nature of other places.”
– Commissioned artist 2021, Johanna Unzueta (b. 1974, Santiago, Chile)
Donate today
Thanks to the support of generous individuals, charitable and private entities, we are able to present a bold artistic programme that invites everyone to take part and explore their creative potential.