Art & environment
As a coastal gallery we not only champion creativity and access to the arts but seek to connect our visitors to the local environment and highlight the impact of climate change through our programming with artists.
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Turner Contemporary sits on the Margate Coastline. -
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Primary school children from across Kent visited Lees Court Estate as part of our Apple a Day learning project. -
Another Time by Anthony Gormley was installed at Fulsam Rock in 2017. -
Young people across Kent submitted works for our Portfolio x Rise Up Clean Up exhibition. -
Programming with nature in mind
Since 2022 our Art + Environment programme has been working at the intersection of art, place, and climate. Funding from The John Ellerman Foundation, Defra, and Natural England has enabled us to develop a programme that explores art’s evolving relationship with the natural world while building long-term collaborations with local partners to support ongoing community initiatives.
Artists turn complex climate challenges into emotional, accessible experiences that inspire action. Inspired by JMW Turner’s radical engagement with nature, Turner Contemporary continues this legacy through ambitious programming that reshapes how we see—and respond to—a changing world.
Past events and exhibitions
Anya Gallaccio: preserve
Ephemeral installations feature melting candles, felled trees, aging fruit, and decomposing flowers, with a monumental felled ash dominating an entire gallery space.
Explore the exhibition
Mona Hatoum: Hot Spot
Mona Hatoum's Hot Spot transforms Turner Contemporary's Sunley Gallery.
View the display
The Sunken Boat: A glimpse into past histories
An exhibition by Anna Boghiguian, which explored global maritime histories and today’s environmental and geopolitical crises.
Explore the exhibition
Young Environmental Leaders
A past project supporting children to advocate for their environment.
Explore the projectProtecting a unique ecosystem
Situated on the Thanet coast, we are part of a Marine Conservation Zone and surrounded by a wetland of international importance and Kent's largest nature reserve as well as a site of special scientific interest.
Like much of the world, the area is seeing the effects of climate change. As a gallery we see it as our responsibility to do all we can to mimimise our impact and encourage more people to protect our home.
