Art Explora has a landmark partnership with V&A East aimed at deepening engagement with the arts across East London. Sharing a mission to create art and culture with and for new audiences, the three-year partnership comprises two programme elements: the annual Art Explora Art Commission (2026 - 2028) and the Art Explora Performing Arts Programme.
“We sought an artist with a record of astounding delivery, but also someone who shares the concerns and hopes of V&A East and Art Explora, to create a project that is community-driven, east London-based and with a specific emphasis on social impact.”
Gus Casely-Hayford
Director, V&A East
The Art Explora Art Commission selects one artist each year, over three years, to develop a new project responding to the people and places of the London boroughs surrounding the new V&A East museum (Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest). Local art professionals are invited to nominate artists. One artist is selected by an experienced jury to take their project forward.
For more information about the Art Explora Performing Arts Programme
“At Art Explora, we always want to support and partner with the innovators, the risk takers, in the field of arts and culture. We also believe in supporting artists, giving them the freedom to develop new work, as well as collaborate with local places and people.”
Frédéric Jousset
Founder, Art Explora

Jasleen Kaur

The inaugural commission was awarded to Jasleen Kaur, winner of the 2024 Turner Prize. Kaur’s practice explores diasporic identity, colonial histories and the layering of social memory. Her commission will centre on a sound trail in East London, incorporating bench sculptures that act as containers for sound created in collaboration with local young people. Two satellite sites have been identified: Higham Hill Park in Waltham Forest and a location within V&A East. The commission launches in Summer 2027.

Jury

  • James Lingwood, Curator and Founder, Artangel
  • Zoë Whitley, Curator and Writer, former Director, Chisenhale Gallery
  • Jeremy Deller, Artist
  • Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture, Greater London Authority
  • Frédéric Jousset, Founder, Art Explora
  • Gus Casely-Hayford, Director V&A East
  • Jemima Montagu, Director, Art Explora UK
“I’m really interested in how the city, the neighbourhood, the street, the pavement works. Together with local groups I’ll be producing a series of sculptural and sonic works that intervene in public infrastructure and explore this complicated sense of place.”
Jasleen Kaur
Artist selected for inaugural commission