The UK’s annual Art History Festival is set to kick off with its largest programme to date, celebrating the rich and diverse world of art history. Taking place from Monday 15th September to Sunday 21st September 2025, the festival will feature over 100 free events, inviting everyone to explore the world of art, design, and …
UK Art History Festival is Largest Yet
The UK’s annual Art History Festival is set to kick off with its largest programme to date, celebrating the rich and diverse world of art history. Taking place from Monday 15th September to Sunday 21st September 2025, the festival will feature over 100 free events, inviting everyone to explore the world of art, design, and architecture.
This year’s theme, “Art and Nature: Healing Through the Arts”, delves into the profound relationship between art and the natural world, exploring how art can uplift, rejuvenate, and promote well-being and mental health. The festival will demonstrate how the fusion of art and nature has the power to heal, inspire, and nurture both individuals and communities.
A Diverse Programme of Events
Organized by the Association for Art History, the festival will offer a wide variety of activities, including:
- Talks from renowned artists and historians.
- Hands-on workshops and art-making sessions.
- Guided tours through exhibitions and outdoor spaces.
- Panel discussions and conversations on topics spanning global art and culture.
Drawing on cultures from around the world, the festival will explore the natural world through diverse artistic lenses, from Chinese calligraphy to contemporary eco-art. Participants will also engage with themes such as environmental sustainability, climate change, and the natural world as a central subject in art.
UK-Wide Participation
The festival will span across the length and breadth of the UK, from Orkney to Guernsey and cities like Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Exeter, Oxford, and Belfast. Whether in cultural hubs or rural towns, a range of museums, galleries, and unique venues will take part, making art accessible to all corners of the country.
Notable locations include the Hundred Heroines Museum in Stroud, which will exhibit nature-inspired works by female artists, and Bethlam Museum of the Mind, offering a workshop to create floral-inspired bookmarks. The Alfred Cohen Museum in Norfolk will display animal paintings, further highlighting the connection between art and nature.
Key Highlights of the Festival
The festival will feature a range of exciting events, including:
- Henri Rousseau’s Surprised! at the National Gallery, with an audio description and a new musical piece by cellist Nina Plapp.
- A conversation with artist Hew Locke at City Lit, discussing migration, identity, and empire in contemporary art.
- Argentinian-born artist Amalia Pica in conversation with historian Richard Taws about her work with primatologists from across the world.
- Verity Babbs, comedian and art historian, leading a tour around Regent’s Park to explore Frieze Sculpture.
- Explorations of Art Nouveau at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow, highlighting how natural forms influenced artists like Mackintosh and the Macdonald Sisters.
Family-Friendly and Online Events
The festival is designed for everyone, with numerous events geared towards families and budding artists. Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum will host a sensory printmaking workshop, and the Imperial War Museum will offer a creative opportunity to make medals for animals who helped in conflict.
For those unable to attend in person, there will be a series of online events, including:
- Kerry Morrison’s talk on environmental art (Tuesday 16th).
- A workshop at The Courtauld Institute exploring how artists like Turner and Monet captured the natural world.
- V&A Academy offering a lecture on the Impressionists and their revolutionary depiction of nature in art.
Career Development and Networking
In addition to creative events, the festival will offer practical advice for those looking to pursue careers in art. The Association for Art History will offer sessions on building a career in the arts, including networking tips and how to pitch a CV for positions in the art world.
Artist Hew Locke shared his views on art history:
“Art history has been a pleasure in my life, but also an important part of my self-education, giving me an insight into many cultures, past and present. It is not separate from politics or global history but offers a view of history from a different angle.”
Growing Impact
Since its inception in 2021, the festival has rapidly expanded, with the 2025 edition expecting even greater engagement. Last year’s festival saw five times as many attendees as its first year. Gregory Perry, Chief Executive of the Association for Art History, expressed his excitement about the festival’s growth:
“The Art History Festival continues to grow, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate how art history connects people—through ideas, objects, and stories. This year, we have even more exciting events to engage audiences across the UK.”
Conclusion
The UK Art History Festival 2025 is set to be a landmark event, celebrating the powerful connection between art and nature, with a wide array of activities and events designed to inspire creativity, deepen understanding, and foster a deeper connection to the world around us. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a student, or simply someone curious about the intersection of art and the natural world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Full details and updates on events can be found on the Art History Festival website. Remember, all events are free, but some require advance booking due to limited spaces.
Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration of art, nature, and history, as it brings together communities across the UK for a week of inspiring events!
