About .
A New Home for Culture
Led by Aesthetica, the Centre for Contemporary Art CIC is a new multidisciplinary gallery being developed at the historic De Grey Rooms in York. It will bring together contemporary art, immersive media and the next generation of creative talent, with opportunities for audiences to encounter new ideas, explore different perspectives and engage with culture. The Centre builds on Aesthetica's more than 20 years of championing artists, connecting creative communities and bringing culture to wider audiences. Its ambition is national and international: to establish a gallery where artists can share their work, where different perspectives meet, and where contemporary art can be experienced in new ways. York is its home. The wider art world is its context. More than a place to see art, the Centre aims to be a place to discover, create, learn and connect.
Brigitte Amarger, La chute / The fall. Finalist for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2023.
The Vision
Art can change how we see the world. It can challenge assumptions, introduce unfamiliar perspectives and bring people together through shared experience. The Centre for Contemporary Art is being developed around this belief. Its vision: ambitious exhibitions, immersive experiences and opportunities for creative exchange. The Centre aims to: present contemporary art that introduces new ideas and approaches; explore the possibilities of immersive media arts and digital creativity; support emerging artists and creative; create opportunities for learning, participation and professional development; connect audiences with artists, filmmakers, technologists and other creative practitioners; build relationships across the UK and internationally, while contributing to York's cultural life; create a setting where artistic ideas and cultural perspectives can meet across disciplines and borders.
The Building
The De Grey Rooms are a Grade II* listed building in York, constructed in 1841–1842 to designs by architect George Townsend Andrews. Historically, the building served as a place for public gathering and entertainment, including concerts, balls and meetings. It has a legacy of bringing people together for shared social experiences. The Centre will give the building a renewed purpose, connecting its history with new forms of expression. The intention is to respect the character and heritage of the building whilst creating a welcoming environment for exhibitions. Its historic setting will provide a distinctive base for a gallery looking outward: presenting work and ideas from across the UK and internationally and bringing new perspectives into conversation with audiences in York.
York as a Destination
York offers a distinctive context for the Centre for Contemporary Art. Its historic architecture and cultural heritage sit alongside a creative landscape shaped by education, technology, media arts and independent enterprise. As a UNESCO City of Media Arts, York has a particular relationship with the meeting point between art and technology. The De Grey Rooms provide a setting in which this local context can meet wider contemporary artistic practice. But the Centre's ambition is not confined to the city. Led by Aesthetica, it will draw on established creative networks and a history of engaging with artists, audiences and ideas across the UK and internationally. Its ambition is to become a recognised destination for contemporary art: based in York, connected to the wider art world, and welcoming artists, ideas and audiences from across borders. The Centre will contribute to York's cultural offer while creating new connections between heritage, contemporary creativity and international perspectives.
Connecting Art, People and Places
The Centre for Contemporary Art is being developed as a place where art can connect with education, technology, industry and community. Its wider ambition is to create opportunities for people to engage with contemporary culture, develop creative skills, exchange ideas and build relationships across disciplines. By bringing artists, audiences, students, creative practitioners and partners into the same space, the Centre aims to support participation and creative exchange while connecting its programme with wider national and international conversations. Alongside its public programme, the Centre also aims to provide space for learning and making, with planned Studio Membership for 15–20 artists. This will create a base for artists to work, develop their practice and connect with a wider creative community. The Centre will draw on Aesthetica's experience across art, film, publishing and the creative industries to build connections between cultural practice and the people who make it possible.
Looking Ahead
For more than 20 years, Aesthetica has championed creative talent and connected audiences with contemporary culture through art, film, publishing and wider industry engagement. The Centre represents the next stage in that work: a permanent gallery bringing together Aesthetica's experience, relationships and commitment to creative discovery. Opening is targeted for Summer 2028, subject to project delivery and necessary approvals. Further information about the programme, visitor experience and opportunities to participate will be shared as plans are confirmed.
Caroline Jane Harris, A Stopped World. Finalist for the Aesthetica Art Prize 2023.
Help Us Bring the Centre to Life .
The Centre for Contemporary Art is progressing plans for a £1.9 million investment. We are now seeking the final £250,000 to help bring this ambitious new cultural destination to life. A historic building. Three ambitious galleries. A new home for contemporary art and immersive experiences. Be part of the beginning.
Support the Centre
Squidsoup, Submergence. Part of Future Tense: Art in the Age of Transformation, 2025.
Liz West, Our Spectral Vision. Part of Future Tense: Art in the Age of Transformation, 2025.