An evening celebrating the career and international contributions of Henry Meyric Hughes, a leading figure in contemporary art criticism and curation. From his pioneering work at the British Council in West Berlin to his directorship of the Hayward Gallery and his instrumental role in founding Manifesta, Hughes has shaped how contemporary art is discussed and exchanged globally. This lecture reflects on his engagement across the UK, Germany and Europe, and his leadership of the International Association of Art Critics.
The evening opens with Henry's personal reflections on his career and commitment to cultural dialogue, followed by a roundtable discussion with colleagues including Michael Kurtz (artistic team, Manifesta 16 Ruhr), Bernhard Schulz (art and architecture critic, Berlin), and chaired by Sarah Wilson, Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art at The Courtauld. The conversation will examine Hughes's contributions to international art criticism and collaboration, his role in creating Manifesta, and his sustained engagement with German cultural institutions. Beyond celebrating his achievements, the discussion will explore lessons from these histories of European cultural exchange and possibilities for future cooperation across borders.
A drinks reception in the Goethe-Institut Library follows the lecture. For those unable to attend in person, video documentation will be made available on the Goethe-Institut's YouTube channel; select the free 'Video documentation notification' ticket option to receive notification when it is posted.
