RIBA and Grimshaw Foundation Annual Art Lecture: Jeremy Deller

Join us for the 2026 RIBA and Grimshaw Annual Art Lecture with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller.

Jeremy is best known for his wide-ranging conceptual practice that often uses the urban environment as a stage to explore important social and political questions. His works are often participatory and performance-based, often involving people and groups that aren’t always included in mainstream cultural activity.

In the lecture, Jeremy will discuss important projects from his career so far, sharing insights into his practice, his approach to collaboration with the public, and working in spaces outside of conventional galleries.

Jeremy Deller (b.1966, London; lives and works in London). Deller has been producing projects over the past three decades which have influenced the conventional map of contemporary art. He won the Turner Prize in 2004 and represented Britain in the 55th Venice Biennale in 2013. In 2025, Jeremy presented 'The Triumph of Art' as part of the National Gallery's Bicentenary celebrations - a major nationwide project which culminated in a procession and a party outside the National Gallery. Films include: Our Hobby is Depeche Mode (with Nicholas Abrahams) (2006), Everybody in the Place (2018) and Putin’s Happy (2019).

The event will be chaired by Kunle Barker. Kunle is a broadcaster and writer best known for his work around architecture, housing, design, and the environment.

Jeremy's keynote will be followed by an in-conversation with Kunle. Then, you'll have the chance to submit your questions to Kunle and Jeremy during an audience Question and Answer session.

After this, stay for a drinks reception and further conversation downstairs in the Royal College of Art building.

This event is for anyone interested in contemporary art, how artists involve the public, and how they work in sites and spaces outside of conventional galleries.

The event is open to everyone, and we actively encourage students and teachers from schools, colleges and community organisations to join us. It forms part of our public programmes, bringing conversations about architecture, design, and the built environment to all.

Image: ©JackieKingPhotographer

Since 2022, our Annual Art Lecture has brought together the interdisciplinary worlds of art and architecture to celebrate artists from around the world and their relationship with the built environment. Previous speakers have included Hew Locke, Cornelia Parker, and Anthony Gormley, in conversation with renowned broadcasters, writers, and curators.

Delivered in partnership with the Grimshaw Foundation, the series supports the aims of both organisations to create opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to access the world of art, design, and architecture, helping to forge more inclusive creative futures.

Lead Image: Installation view, ‘Sacrilege’, Priory Park, Southend, 2012. Commissioned by the Glasgow International Festival and the Mayor of London. Courtesy of The Artist, Art: Concept, Paris and The Modern Institute/Toby Webster Ltd, Glasgow. Photo: James Hutchinson

• doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start
• the lecture will take place in the Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre in the Dyson Building, RCA Battersea Campus
• the lecture theatre is located on level 1, and there is step free access from the Dyson Building main entrance
• there is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus. The campus is served by TfL bus routes 19, 49, 170, 319 and 345. The nearest bus stop is located on Battersea Bridge Road on the corner of Hester Road
• the nearest tube stations are Clapham Junction, approximately 1.2 miles away, and Sloane Square, approximately 1.3 miles away
• there will be a bar available, offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Please note, RIBA operate a Challenge 25 policy

• British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation will be provided throughout the event. For BSL priority seating, please book 'BSL Seating' tickets at the checkout

• we offer concession tickets for students, those on lower incomes, those with disabilities, and those over 65. Please choose the 'Concession' ticket at the checkout

• we aim to make our events open and accessible to all. If cost is a barrier, we offer an additional discounted option via a discount code. Please contact [email protected] in confidence for the code

• if you would like to discuss your attendance and inclusion and/or access needs to attend the event comfortably, please contact [email protected]

• cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]
• a photographer may cover this event and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events. By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event
• if RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only
• on entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules
• RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder
• the details you provide will be used in line with RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we will handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

RCA Battersea, 1 Hester Road, London, United Kingdom

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