Kingston-based charity, Creative Youth, in partnership with its Community in Residence, Kingston International Film Festival (KIFF), is set to present the Marketplace of Ideas — a dynamic exhibition and public programme running from Tuesday, 28 October to Saturday, 1 November at Kingston Market House.

Part of the Kingston 2025 initiative, this event series explores the history, legacy, and future of Kingston's Ancient Marketplace — a site of gathering and exchange for over 800 years.

Through visual art, film, and interactive experiences, the programme invites the public to reflect on the marketplace as a space of commerce, creativity, and community. 

All events are free and open to the public. 

Public programme highlights include:

Traces, Manifestations & Visions – Free visual art exhibition 

Tuesday 28, October – Saturday, 1 November, 11am –6pm 

This contemporary exhibition features works by local and regional artists responding to the themes of TRACES (uncovering the past), MANIFESTATIONS (reflecting on the present), and VISIONS (imagining the future). The pieces explore identity, place, and time through real and imagined marketplaces. 

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Focus – FilmBox exhibition & Public programme 

Tuesday, 28 October – Saturday, 1 November, 11am – 6pm 

A showcase of short films created by Kingston's film club, FilmBox, in response to two 72-hour film challenges. The public programme includes: 

• Wednesday, 29 October, 6pm – 8pm : Horror Film Screening (ages 16–30) 
• Thursday, 30 October, 1pm – 4pm: Documentary-Making Workshop 

Learn the essentials of documentary filmmaking and explore Kingston's market through interviews and footage. Open to university/college students and filmmakers of all ages.

• Thursday, 30 October, 4.30pm – 6pm – Market Films Screening & Artist Q&A 

Featuring submissions from the film challenges, followed by a Q&A facilitated by KIFF. 

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Market Day – Artist Makers Market  

Saturday, 1 November, 12pm – 4pm. 

A lively, interactive makers market where creativity meets community. Visitors will receive a theme inspired by Kingston's market heritage and exchange it with an artist, who will create a unique artwork in 10–20 minutes. Attendees can also swap artworks with other artists to form collaborative pieces. 

This programme is a celebration of Kingston's spirit of exchange, creativity, and community. Whether you are an art lover, film enthusiast, or simply curious about the town's history, there is something for everyone. 

You can find out more about the exhibition here.