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Gallery closed 22–26 December 2025.

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Look Club

Connecting adults, reducing isolation, and opening the world of contemporary art. 

Look Club is a free, friendly group where adults can meet new people, discover art, and be inspired. Over six weeks, participants explore ideas and questions inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions in relaxed, informal sessions — open to anyone curious about art. No experience needed, just an open mind.Launched in 2020 with Age UK Thanet, Look Club now partners with Pilgrims Hospices to help tackle social isolation and support local well-being.

‘I can be playful and imaginative at Look Club; in the outside world, I might be called childish.’

Look Club Participant
Three visitors stand behind a curtain of threaded apples.

Why Look Club matters 

Many adults face loneliness, limited social opportunities and a sense that contemporary art is not for people like them. Look Club addresses these issues by creating: 

  • A friendly, inclusive space where people can meet others, share ideas, and feel heard
  • Accessible engagement with contemporary art, without jargon or assumed knowledge
  • A rhythm of community and connection over six weeks that helps reduce isolation and supports wellbeing 

Look Club particularly prioritises referrals from hospice partners and local organisations, ensuring that the programme reaches those who can benefit most but may otherwise be overlooked. Spaces are also available for members of the public who want to get involved.

  • A group of people stand looking at an art installation made up of hundreds of burning candles sat on foil that covers the floor.

What we do 

Across weekly, informal sessions, participants: 

  • Explore questions and ideas sparked by current gallery exhibitions
  • Look at and talk about artworks together — no prior art experience needed
  • Build confidence in expressing thoughts, listening to others, and sharing perspectives
  • Enjoy social interaction in a supportive, non-judgemental setting 

Sessions are designed to be relaxed and conversational, opening up art as a doorway to connection and joy.  

 I think people can be a little intimidated by galleries, I know I was when I was younger, and often just the simplest conversation can open up what is going on with the work inside the museum and let people have a way in to what is going on.  For my part too it’s also so nice to meet people and talk about art, as a painter I spend most time alone so it’s lovely to hear responses to the paintings.
 

Alessandro Raho, Artist

Supporting wellbeing, connection and learning

Increased confidence and self-expression

Participants often report feeling more confident discussing art and sharing ideas, both in the group and beyond.

Reduced social isolation and strengthened connections

For many, Look Club becomes a valued weekly routine, sparking new friendships, shared laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Enhanced engagement with culture and curiosity

Look Club removes barriers to contemporary art: participants realise they can engage with artworks meaningfully, strengthening lifelong learning and cultural participation.

Improved wellbeing

The routine, creativity and social support of Look Club contribute to participants’ emotional wellbeing, helping people feel more connected, engaged and uplifted. 

Long-term impact 

Look Club is more than a weekly programme, it feeds into Turner Contemporary’s broader mission to extend the benefits of art to all members of our community, particularly those who might feel art galleries are unfamiliar or inaccessible.

Over time, Look Club helps participants: 

  • See themselves as part of a creative, thinking community
  • Share stories and build empathy across diverse life experiences
  • Feel confident entering cultural spaces and arts conversations
  • Sustain social ties with fellow participants 

This combination of connection, learning and belonging contributes tangible community and wellbeing value across lives and stages. 

Why support Look Club 

Funding Look Club enables Turner Contemporary to: 

  • Maintain free access and inclusive participation for all
  • Pay skilled facilitators and artists to run the group
  • Strengthen partnerships with referral organisations like Pilgrims Hospices
  • Expand outreach and evaluation to better understand and communicate impact 

Look Club is part of Turner Contemporary’s lifelong learning programmes that aim to reduce inequality and extend the benefits of art and creativity to everyone 

Interested in joining?
Contact our Learning Team at learn@turnercontemporary.org or call +44(0)1843 233 025 (daily, 10am–5pm).

For more on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme, visit pilgrimshospices.org/wellbeing or call +44(0)1233 504 133.