Grenfell by Steve McQueen: A Powerful Reflection on Tragedy and Activism Comes to Chapter

Steve McQueen’s poignant film installation Grenfell is now being presented at Chapter, Cardiff, as part of a national tour organised by Tate. Running from 10 May to 15 June, the exhibition offers a stark reminder of the Grenfell Tower fire—an event that claimed 72 lives on 14 June 2017—and underscores the ongoing fight for justice.

Filmed by McQueen before the tower was obscured by hoarding, Grenfell serves as an unflinching visual record, preserving the memory of the disaster and ensuring its impact is not forgotten. With the UK Government’s recent announcement to demolish the tower, the installation takes on even greater significance.

A Public Programme of Solidarity and Action

Complementing the screenings, Common/Wealth will curate a four-day public programme, We Stand With You, running from 4-7 June. The programme will feature talks, workshops, and performances focused on community activism and housing justice.

Among the key events is a discussion between survivors of Grenfell and Aberfan, joined by a community activist from Butetown, Cardiff. Chaired by journalist Peter Apps, author of Show Me the Bodies, the talk highlights parallels between disasters and the lessons that must not be ignored.

The programme also includes a screening of Situated Testimonies of Grenfell, produced by Forensic Architecture, which interweaves personal stories from the night of the fire. Following the screening, Edward Daffarn from Grenfell United and Samaneh Moafi from Forensic Architecture will lead a discussion on its themes.

Cardiff’s Artistic Response

Beyond the screenings, Chapter’s gallery space will host artworks inspired by Cardiff’s communities, showcasing pieces by Ophelia Dos Santos, Kyle Legall, Vanja Garaj, Gavin Porter, and Jon Pountney. Through visual storytelling, these works celebrate resilience and the power of solidarity in the face of social challenges.

Additionally, workshops will delve into housing injustice in a Welsh context, drawing connections between local experiences and wider national struggles.

Marking the Anniversary

On 14 June, marking eight years since the tragedy, Chapter will hold a gathering in solidarity with Grenfell United, survivors, and bereaved families. This moment of reflection reinforces the necessity of ensuring justice and systemic change.

Screening Details

Grenfell will be screened daily at Chapter, with special viewing sessions including:

- Parent/Carer and Baby screenings: 12pm on 19 May & 2 June

- Relaxed screenings: 12pm on 13 & 27 May & 10 June

- Masked and Socially Distanced screenings: 3pm on 15 & 29 May & 12 June

Entry is free, with tickets available via [chapter.org]

A Vital Record

McQueen, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and Turner Prize-winning artist, has worked closely with Grenfell survivors and bereaved families over the past seven years to ensure the project is handled with sensitivity. The film was self-funded, reinforcing its purpose as an artistic record rather than a commercial venture.

As the UK awaits full implementation of the Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations, Grenfell remains a powerful testament to collective memory, accountability, and the ongoing fight to prevent further tragedy.