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Art History Festival 2026
Monday 5- Sunday 11 October 2026
The Art History Festival 2026 celebrates the full spectrum of art history in all its richness, across the histories of art, architecture and design.
From hands‑on workshops to behind‑the‑scenes demonstrations, curator‑led tours and creative experiences, the Festival is packed with events of all kinds, for audiences of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences.
Take part in the 2026 festival, and learn how art history helps us to better understand the world around us. Get curious, relax, have fun or learn something new at a free event online or at a venue near you.
The Art History Festival is an annual event run by the Association for Art History, celebrating art, design, and architecture.
For partners developing events, we’re also offering two optional areas of focus;
– Events for young people (13 -18 years)
– Events on making and materials
These are simply prompts for inspiration – there is absolutely no obligation to
follow them. For more information, see our Call for Submissions.
The full programme will be announced in August 2026.
Image credit: Participating artists and visitors attending Aso là ´nkí, kí a tó ki ènìyàn – We greet the cloth before we greet its wearer, the inaugural exhibition at the G.A.S. Farm House curated by Miriam Bettin. Image courtesy of Guest Artists Space Foundation.
Upcoming Events
National Portrait Gallery Schools workshops, events and resources
Location: National Portrait Gallery
Book your students for a visit to the National Portrait Gallery for FREE curriculum-linked workshops…Mon 5th Oct – Fri 9th Oct
10:15 am – 6:00 pm
National Portrait Gallery Schools hub
Location: Online
Schools hub is the National Portrait Gallery’s FREE online resource hub for schools. From simple…Mon 5th Oct – Sun 11th Oct
9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Surreal Solihull
Location: Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)
Surreal Solihull Wed 16 Sep – Sun 22 Nov | Free entry, donations welcome |…Mon 5th Oct – Sun 11th Oct
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Portraying Lancaster
Location: Lancaster City Museum
What can a portrait tell us? Inspired by our new staircase display, which includes portraits…Mon 5th Oct
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Curator Tour – Imprint: Women Artists and the Reading School of Art, 1890-1930
Location: 6 Redlands Road
Women played a vital role in the University of Reading’s early School of Art. This…Tue 6th Oct
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Heritage Visit: The Life of Arthur Knighton-Hammond talk & Guided Tour of exhibition
Location: Nottingham Trent University
Join NTU at Brackenhurst Campus for an evening exploring the life and work of Nottingham-born…Tue 6th Oct
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
