Prestigious British Art Show 7 heads for Plymouth

By Jemima Laing
BBC Devon

Detail of Phoebe Unwin's Sink

Plymouth is joining Nottingham, Glasgow and London as a host for a major art exhibition in 2011.

The Hayward Gallery's British Art Show takes place only once every five years and showcases new and recent works by British-based contemporary artists.

A team from the Hayward came to the city to meet the Plymouth Visual Art Consortium (PVAC) in early 2010.

Work from the show will be displayed at a number of venues around the city including Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery; Peninsula Arts Gallery, University of Plymouth; Plymouth Arts Centre and Plymouth College of Art.

Detail of May in White Bodice by Alasdair Gray

"There were a number of other cities in the frame but the Hayward were particularly impressed by the co-operation between the PVAC venues and recognised the potential for the presentation of the show in Plymouth," said Judith Robinson, exhibitions officer at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

"The selection brings kudos and affirmation that Plymouth is a city committed to culture, capable of attracting regional audiences for such a large-scale national exhibition."

Plymouth will be the fourth and final destination on the exhibition's tour - arriving in the city in September 2011.

The artists, who have been chosen by curators Lisa Le Feuvre and Tom Morton, have been invited to produce "the best work they have ever done" for the show.

Exhibits will include painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, video, film and performance.

Artists from previous exhibitions include Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

Varda Caivano's untitled work

Trystan Hawkins from PVAC said he was "delighted" the show was coming to the city.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the city and the South West.

"BAS7 is already becoming an exciting catalyst for dynamic new visual arts activity within Plymouth.

"This momentum, together with the event itself, will leave a rich legacy firmly placing the visual arts within the city's cultural landscape."