Exhibit

Exhibit seeks to foster critically engaged fine-art practice in Somerset. With the closure of several further and higher education arts courses, there is a reduction in opportunities to develop, challenge and push creative development to a higher level. Similarly, there is a wide range of galleries and hire-spaces, yet it can be difficult to get a foot in the door or exhibit work without a community. Exhibit aims to help fill these gaps in accessing, developing and exhibiting art practice.

Exhibit offers a series of three programmes to support participants in generating and developing ideas, and making and exhibiting artwork. Each programme gives participants the opportunity to have guided support from a tutor and peers over a period of twelve sessions, culminating with an exhibition of work. The programmes will enable participants to develop skills in reflective analysis, critical engagement and professional practice. The sessions will include discussions, critiques, tutorials and presentations.  They will also include practical workshops to support understanding of key themes, aid discussion and spark ideas. 

Exhibit is aimed at a broad spectrum of people, from those with an interest in contemporary art who would like to ‘have a go’, to graduates who would like a supportive structure to re-engage in art. The Exhibit series is designed to offer an experience comparable in standard to higher education modules, but at a fraction of the cost. It is hoped that participants will reflect a broad demographic of people from all ages and backgrounds. The programmes would certainly complement any practical classes that participants may engage in, such as evening classes in painting, drawing, textiles, ceramics, photography etc. but they are not intended to deliver specific practical skills.

Each of the three Exhibit programmes is based around an element of contemporary fine art practice. These are not themes, but are relevant considerations for any artists’ development. Artists are supported to discover, explore and develop their own interests and disciplines. Each programme is self-contained, but they are designed with a sense of progression through the series.