Modern Art Oxford Celebrates 60th Anniversary
In 2026, Modern Art Oxford, one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces, celebrates six decades of internationally acclaimed exhibitions. Modern Art Oxford’s 60th anniversary programme encompasses new commissions, events, digital outreach and an anniversary themed visual identity.
The year’s celebrations also mark a transition in MAO’s programming ethos, with a strengthened focus on commissioning new work, underpinned by experimental, cutting-edge and multidisciplinary approaches; and deepened engagement with local communities and the world-renowned cultural and intellectual assets of Oxford.
October 2026 will see Mike Nelson return to Modern Art Oxford to create a major new work across the upper gallery spaces. Nelson’s 2004 exhibition Triple Bluff Canyon remains a landmark in the gallery’s history, and his new commission reflects a renewed commitment to the production of ambitious, site-responsive work.
The anniversary programme will also feature a new visual identity to be introduced across print and digital platforms, alongside limited-edition 60th anniversary merchandise commemorating the year.
Throughout 2026, Modern Art Oxford will draw on its exhibition history through a rolling social media campaign that brings past and present into dialogue, highlighting artists and ideas that have shaped the institution over time, and embracing the ongoing commitment to innovative and bold new commissions.
Finally, in September Modern Art Oxford will host an unmissable 60th anniversary birthday party developed from a concept proposed by Jeremy Deller, as friends, colleagues and supporters come together for what will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Autumn art world calendar.
Paul Hobson, Director of Modern Art Oxford said: “The 60th anniversary year marks an important moment for Modern Art Oxford as we reflect on the agency of artists and of contemporary visual culture in an era of unprecedented change. As a leading contemporary art space in the UK and internationally, Modern Art Oxford continues to offer a place to encounter ambitious new work, to think critically about the world around us and to participate creatively in the production of future realities.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
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About Modern Art Oxford
Located in one of the world’s great cities of learning, Modern Art Oxford is a leading contemporary art space with an international reputation for innovative and ambitious programming. Our programmes, both in person and online, are shaped by a belief in dialogue between contemporary art and ideas and celebrate the relevance of contemporary visual culture to society today.
