Over the next three years, Steve McQueen’s film installation Grenfell will be shown in public art galleries in six major cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It will open at Tramway in Glasgow this spring, after which it will travel to Chapter in Cardiff, The MAC in Belfast, The Box in Plymouth, Tate Liverpool, and Midland Arts Centre in Birmingham.
In December 2017, artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen (b.1969, London) made an artwork in response to the fire that took place earlier that year on 14th June at Grenfell Tower. 72 people died in the tragedy. Filming the tower before it was covered with hoarding, McQueen sought to create a record so that it would not be forgotten.
Following the fire, a Government Inquiry was launched that was conducted in two phases. The findings of the first and second phase of the Inquiry have been reported, the recommendations of which are yet to be implemented, meaning a similar tragedy could happen again. There is an ongoing criminal investigation.
Steve McQueen said
“I knew once the tower was covered up, it would start to leave people’s minds. I was determined that it never be forgotten.”
Grenfell was first presented in 2023 at Serpentine in London’s Kensington Gardens, following a period of private viewings, prioritising bereaved families and survivors. The work was then placed in the care of Tate and London Museum.
This national tour is being coordinated by Tate in collaboration with the partner venues and is made possible thanks to support using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and from Art Fund. Each presentation will be free to visit and will be accompanied by a public engagement programme of talks, workshops and community events supported by the Grenfell Foundation.
Listings information
Tramway, Glasgow, in partnership with The Common Guild 8th – 23rd March 2025
Chapter, Cardiff 10th May – 15th June 2025
The MAC, Belfast 17 July – 21 September 2025
The Box, Plymouth In 2026. Dates to be announced
Tate Liverpool In 2026-27. Dates to be announced
Midland Arts Centre, Birmingham In 2027. Dates to be announced
Admission free. Visitors are advised to check with the relevant venue for booking information and any access and support needs they may have.
About the artist
Steve McQueen has been in conversation with Grenfell bereaved and survivor groups and individuals from the wider community at different times over the last seven years. He has engaged in these discussions so that Grenfell is delivered sensitively and with the consideration of the bereaved and survivors at the forefront. The production of the work was self-funded by McQueen, it is not a commercial project and will not be sold. Steve McQueen was born in West London in 1969 and studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College where he first became interested in film. Over more than 30 years, MQueen has been influential in expanding the way in which artists work with film. He has made several feature films with many accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Film for 12 Years a Slave. His most recent film, Blitz, was released in 2024. As an artist, McQueen won the Turner Prize in 1999 and has exhibited in public museums around the world. He lives and works in London and Amsterdam.
