© University of Kent - Contact | Feedback | Legal | Cookies
The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Arts
The Canterbury campus has a thriving arts scene, with the Gulbenkian arts centre hosting drama, music, films, comedy and other events running throughout the year. The Gulbenkian acts as the front door to the Canterbury campus. With its welcoming foyer and licensed café bar, it provides a warm welcome to students, staff and visitors who enjoy a diverse range of live performance as well as independent and foreign language films.
The Gulbenkian
Theatre
The theatre seats 340 people and welcomes audiences from both the student population and the wider community. Professional, student and amateur shows are presented throughout the year. There is a full range of productions each season, varying from stand-up comedy, with performers such as Stephen K Amos and Milton Jones, to children’s theatre, dance, drama, jazz, folk, classical and world music. The theatre employs students front of house and in our technical and admin departments where possible.
The Gulbenkian welcomes student promoters and engages with the School of Arts to present a range of performance from classic to new work. The student drama society, T:24, presents at least one show a term in the theatre. The Gulbenkian supports graduate theatre companies by offering an annual residency to Kent graduates.
Cinema
Canterbury’s independent film theatre, screening blockbusters, independent films and world cinema is open to both students and the general public. The Gulbenkian Cinema works closely with the Film Department and other University departments. Students from all subjects can work as ushers.
Café bar
The lively licensed café bar is a favourite haunt for all members of the University community as well as the general public. The café bar hosts regular music and comedy nights, and is available for use by student clubs and societies, and many of our Café Bar team members are students.
Gulbenkian website
For more theatre and cinema listings, how to book and to view the menu, visit the Gulbenkian website.
Fine Art
The Jarman Building
The Jarman Building received a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Award in May 2010. The RIBA judges said the building ‘demonstrates how good design can improve learning and is an exemplar for future campus architecture’.
The Canterbury campus has a number of exhibition spaces for artwork. The Rutherford Panoptican exhibitions are usually curated by students. The Studio 3 Gallery in the School of Arts award-winning Jarman Building and Keynes Atrium and Gallery both display work by nationally known figures, local artists and alumni.
Studio3 Gallery
A dedicated exhibition space within the University’s award-winning School of Arts Jarman Building. Since its opening, this gallery has developed an innovative programme of exhibitions that combines art historical scholarship and cutting-edge contemporary art, working with leading artists like Ana Maria Pacheco, Art & Language, John Blackburn and Paul Coldwell.
You can get involved in all aspects of gallery work through the active volunteer programme.
Events calendar
See our Events website for information on the wide range of events open to current and past students, staff and the wider community of Kent.
Events
WorldFest is an annual four-day event for students and staff celebrating diversity and multiculturalism within the University of Kent. Held in February the four-day event features many activities and events, all with an international theme.
Open Lectures
Kent's popular Open Lecture series covers a range of topics; from comedy to politics, science to the arts. Lectures are free, open to all and no booking is needed.