Institute of Contemporary Arts

The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) is a London arts centre renowned for its commitment to innovative, daring and provocative work. Currently experiencing financial problems, the centre's director and chairman, Ekow Eshun and Alan Yentob are both moving on. In the era of government cuts, its future direction might be uncertain. 

THE INSTITUTION

Established in 1947, the ICA has been intimately involved in the cultural life of the UK ever since. The ICA exhibited Picasso and Jackson Pollock, The Clash played there in 1976, and the work of Damian Hirst and Steve McQueen was first showed there. The centre plays host to many events, including talks, exhibitions, films, music and dance. It has two galleries, two cinemas and a theatre.  

THE WEBSITE

The ICA's website is busy and colourful. The Downloads section gives you access to podcasts, music, interviews and performances. There's also an archive of ICA talks, including Martin Amis's controversial appearance in October 2007 when he discussed radical Islam with journalist Andrew Anthony. While you're here, try an online project called Search Your Name, a short game which plays on the concept of search engines and the contemporary yearning for celebrity.