51zero presents a biennial festival of international moving image and contemporary art in Kent, which this year takes place in Rochester and Canterbury between October and November. It presents artists, musicians and filmmakers whose production is between contemporary art and cinema, operating on a local and international level.

For this 4th edition, the festival will continue to develop the discussion around the existing structures and systems in which art is made, shown and discussed.

51zero continuously introduces highly resolved, relevant and important artworks and films to the Kent area, particularly in Rochester, where 51zero’s activities are unique in filling a gap in Medway’s art provision.

Through placing artwork in public settings and outdoor spaces across the cities, the festival takes the art to where the people are. It encourages conversations and active involvement of local and visiting public as well as engaging audiences with the character and the heritage of the area.

The festival offers opportunities for regional artists and students to exhibit with established, international artists. 51zero have a successful track record of creating platforms for exposure and opportunities for emerging talent, engaging young artists in activities meaningful for their professional development.

51zero is embedded in the area and takes its name from the geographical coordinates of Medway, at the same time, it focuses on international collaboration and cultural exchange. Working from within the region of Kent as the project’s base, 51zero presents programmes of exhibitions, events, projects and touring activities through partnership and co-production with cultural organisations in the UK and overseas.

This year’s festival runs across Rochester Cathedral, the Guildhall and Huguenot museums and on Rochester High Street. In Canterbury it will populate the Herbert Read Gallery and the University for the Creative Arts campus.

Selected projects, artworks, workshops and activities suggest new possibilities to recover the power of ideas and thinking to explore a new language for art, focussing on engaging directly with the public, locally and beyond.

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51zero’s programme focuses on artistic production and exhibition of moving image and related contemporary art practice.

Working from within the region of Kent as the project’s base, 51zero partners with cultural organisations in the UK and overseas to present, curate and commission programmes that engage in international collaboration, delivering two core strands: 51zero Festival and Voyager.

51zero/festival showcases biennially international artists and filmmakers whose practice sits between contemporary art and cinema. Established practitioners are exhibited alongside new talent, in alternative venues, public settings and gallery spaces, collaborating with the community to bridge the gap between the art and people, contributing to the cultural landscape of Kent.

51zero/voyager presents a programme of touring activities, events, and projects through partnership and co-production that support artists and engages audiences across Kent, the UK and beyond.

51zero have a successful track record of creating platforms for exposure and opportunities for emerging talent, engaging young people in activities meaningful for their professional development.

51zero is embedded in the area; it takes its name from the geographical coordinates of Medway.

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