Camden Arts Projects, a brand-new not-for-profit creative space dedicated to showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists and filmmakers, will launch at 176 Prince of Wales Road, Camden in London with a major exhibition by Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed, from 9th May. Curated by Hala Matar, the inaugural exhibition features Creed’s interactive installation Work No. 3891 Half the air in a given space (2025), where half of the air in the room is contained within hundreds of balloons. Filling the gallery and transforming it into a sensory-filled environment, the artwork invites visitors to step inside, move through and physically engage with the work in a playful and tactile way.
Previously presented in Los Angeles in 2022, in collaboration with Dries Van Noten, Work No. 3891 Half the air in a given space reimagines the relationship between audience and artwork, evoking childlike wonder while heightening awareness of one’s own physicality. This exhibition marks the first time the artwork has returned to London since its presentation at the Hayward Gallery in 2014.
Built in the late 1860’s in the Corinthian style, it was a place of worship for almost a century before The London Drama Centre took over in 1963. For forty years the likes of Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy and Helen McCrory rehearsed there. The building was transformed into a contemporary art gallery in 2017 by AHMM architects, which it remains today, with a renewed vision and the addition of a film screening room.
Outside, Creed’s renowned neon text work Work No. 1086: EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT (2011) will illuminate the façade of the historic building, welcoming visitors on arrival. Spanning over 12 metres, the white neon text – a recurring element in his work since 1999 – is inspired by reassuring yet ambiguous words from Creed’s past personal conversational exchanges. Interacting with the building’s neoclassical features, the artwork offers a moment of contemplation within its storied setting and will decorate the façade for an extended period.
In addition to the exhibition and events programme, Camden Arts Projects will also house London-based bakery Little Bread Pedlar, adding a lively and communal element to the space. Known for its artisanal sweet and savoury pastries, the bakery will provide a welcoming spot for visitors to gather.
A limited edition of miniature ceramics artworks by filmmaker and artist Charlotte Colbert will be hidden within a selection of pastries following the tradition of “feves” where small trinkets are to be discovered in a king cake or similar dessert. The person who finds the fève usually is awarded special privileges or gifts for the day. Fèves have also become collectors items, and in France, their collectors are known as fabophiles or favophiles.
About
Martin Creed is a Turner Prize-winning artist whose work spans sculpture, painting, installation, music, and performance. Known for his conceptual approach and wry sense of humour, Creed challenges traditional distinctions between art and everyday life. Creed’s work has been exhibited at major institutions worldwide, including Tate Modern, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Centre Pompidou.
Camden Arts Projects is a unique creative space located at 176 Prince of Wales Road in the heart of Camden. Exhibiting the works of both established and emerging artists and filmmakers in an inspiring, innovative environment. Built in the late 1860’s in the Corinthian style, it was a place of worship for almost a century before The London Drama Centre took over in 1963. For forty years the likes of Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy and Helen McCrory rehearsed there. The building was transformed into a contemporary art gallery in 2017 by AHMM architects, which it remains today, with the addition of a film screening room.
