The Great Big Art Exhibition

9 Feb 2021 11:05 PM

Recently Firstsite launched The Great Big Art Exhibition, a fantastic new nationwide project designed to get the whole country making and exhibiting art.

It’s a great way for people to explore their creative side at home, from first-timers to professional artists. If the last time you painted was at school, it doesn’t matter - we’d love to see as many people taking part as possible. You can display your art in your front garden, from a balcony or on your front door to help us create one Great Big Art Exhibition!

A logo that reads The Great Big Art Exhibition from Firstsite

The Great Big Art Exhibition by Firstsite.

Amy Vaughan, Arts Council Director, East of England yesterday said:

“We’re really excited about The Great Big Art Exhibition and delighted that Firstsite gallery in Colchester are playing a key role in encouraging the nation to get creative and showcase all the talent out there. We’d love people to get involved and create new works of art to display in their windows, front gardens and balconies to create one big gallery. We can’t wait to see exciting new artworks popping up around the country and bringing a smile to peoples’ faces in their local communities.”

Leading artists are backing the exhibition with fortnightly themes to inspire everyone taking part – the first is ‘Animals’ chosen by iconic sculptor Antony Gormley.  Anish Kapoor, Jeremy Deller, Ai Weiwei and Ryan Gander are among the other artists and creatives involved. Or why not take a look at the paintings and artworks selected by some of the leading museums in the country, including the Tate, the British Museum and the V&A to see what inspires you.

Download a free activity pack from Firstsite for ideas and inspiration, including templates of famous artwork to spark your imagination. You can draw, paint, sculpt – there are no rules, it’s all about taking part! You could also team up virtually with your neighbours, school, temple, church, shopping centre or football team to produce a memorable and exciting artwork.

Sally Shaw MBE, Director of Firstsite, yesterday said:

“The doors to our collections and galleries might be shut but our imaginations are forever open. Making, showing and experiencing art has created so much joy, connection and solace for many thousands of people. I can’t wait to see a brand-new nationwide art gallery appearing before our eyes in coming days, weeks and months. This is sure to be an incredible expression of people’s creativity.”

The project is led by Colchester art gallery Firstsite and supported by Arts Council England and the Plus Tate Network of leading museums and galleries across the UK.