History
Pavilion was formally established in 1983 as a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Initially, Pavilion was a gallery-based organisation concerned with the promotion and exhibition of photography engaged with critical feminist discourses.
Pavilion developed into a women’s only membership enterprise and at this time was renamed Pavilion Women's Photography Centre. During this period the company was closely aligned with the debates of the women’s movement and was especially proactive in its commitment to black women artists.
Between 1989 and 1994, Pavilion received the Arts Council of Great Britain bursary to fund the post of Curator for Black Arts. This was significant as it brought about the widening of our brief from pure photography to a more interdisciplinary approach. Shortly thereafter, further investment was secured from the European Social Fund, enabling the company to deliver formal and accredited training for women.
In 1998, the company revised its charitable objectives, to extend its remit beyond women only and subsequently widen its audiences. It was at this time that the company reverted to being simply ‘Pavilion’.
1998 was also the Arts Council’s Year of Photography and the Electronic Image. Yorkshire won the award to host the year-long celebrations. Pavilion were actively involved in the celebrations and delivered some significant commissions. These included: The Future Looms (winner of a prize at the 1999 Transmediale Festival in Berlin); Heart & Mind; Loiners and a four-week fringe Festival of Photography in Leeds.
Immediately following this year-long regional celebration, Pavilion was awarded its first major public art commission in Leeds. The resulting work, Construction Sights, was a series of projects that spanned nine months and engaged audiences during the construction of Millennium Square in Leeds.
In 2000 Pavilion were successful in gaining substantial European funding, which enabled the company to deliver Switched On; an ambitious programme of education and training in new media targeted at young people defined as excluded. Switched On spawned a number of satellite projects, which were delivered following the success of the initial feasibility period. The Switched On programme established Pavilion’s reputation as an education and training provider for young people; the legacy of which lives on through Studio12, which opened in late 2003.
Under new directorship in 2003 Pavilion’s vision was taken back to a strong focus on photography. An artistic programme of commissions and exhibitions was developed alongside the delivery of Studio12. During this time the organisation also went through a period of strategic and creative development. The Pavilion office relocated from Woodhouse Square to Host Media Centre in early 2005 and the company branding was updated to its current style.
In July 2006, Pavilion welcomed Anna Reid as its new director and the start of another new era.
In November 2006 launched its new Commissions Programme, collaborating with four artists to create and exhibit new work. May 2007 marked the beginning of Pavilion’s 25th year, and we look forward to the 25th anniversary in May 2008. To mark the 25th year we have launched an exclusive collection of Special Edition Prints for sale through our website. Pavilion has also published a small book 'Celebrating Pavilion 25th year' reflecting on the organisations achievements since opening in 1983 and looking at our current programme of activity.