Art show celebrates city’s history and future

A new exhibition of contemporary local artwork has gone on display at the Council House.

The exhibition is the fourth in the new Council House Art programme, hosted by Plymouth City Council in partnership with Plymouth College of Art, Plymouth University and the University of St Mark and St John to showcase the diverse talent of local artists.

It has been specially curated for the Council House by students at Plymouth College of Art in collaboration with Plymouth artist Lee McDonald, on the theme of ‘The Future of Plymouth’.

The show focuses on transition, change and looking towards the future, while also celebrating the city’s history and heritage. It features pieces that have a futuristic, avant-garde quality but also highlight the traditional internal characteristics of the iconic 1950s building.

The main sculptural piece ‘Eight’ is a kaleidoscopic viewfinder that encourages people to think about Plymouth’s multi-faceted history as well the importance of this legacy in developing the city’s future. It is complemented by eight wall pieces; digitally manipulated photographs of various objects and listed features that can be found throughout the Council House.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Friday afternoons between 1.30pm and 4pm until to 20 June. Students will be on hand to explain the art work and operate the interactive sculpture.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Community Development, said: “I really welcome the time, consideration and skill that the students have put into this show. It is the first site-specific work that has been created in the Council House since its opening. The show has already generated a lot of interest and I hope people will take the opportunity to come in on Friday afternoons and meet its creators at the open days.”

Admission to the open art show is free and there is no need to book. For more information about the Council House Art programme visit www.councilhouseart.wordpress.com