TheGallery is celebrating its 25th anniversary, commemorating many years of artistic innovation and cultural enrichment.
Situated on Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)’s campus, it serves as a pivotal resource for contemporary art and design, acclaimed for its efforts in introducing distinguished national and international artists to the community.
Evolving considerably from the single space that opened in 1998, TheGallery now boasts three permanent exhibition spaces and an extensive campus art collection. It has also hosted a vast array of off-site events and projects.
On top of that, TheGallery serves as the space in which AUB students of all levels showcase their final work to the public, during the annual Summer Shows season.
"As a renowned arts education institution of global standing, AUB benefits from digital and physical showcases of art, design, performance and media," says AUB Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Gough. "One of our many strengths is our excellent gallery, which celebrates 25 years of innovative exhibitions, as well as commissions, site-specific works and other opportunities for emerging and established talent.
"25 years is a significant milestone and as Vice-Chancellor, I'm delighted to play my part in recognising all that it's achieved, and celebrating its success, now and far into the future."
The anniversary celebrations began on Thursday 2 November, with the formal opening and private view of Ian McKeever’s Against Architecture exhibition.
Acclaimed artist Ian McKeever has played a significant role in TheGallery’s history, being the first artist to exhibit under the text+work programme in 2003. He was previously made an Honorary Fellow of AUB in 2002.
On TheGallery’s latest milestone, Ian comments, "Amazing to think TheGallery has been running 25 years, quite something. Honoured to be a part of the celebrations."
In its time, TheGallery has played host to a diverse programme of events, artist talks and panel discussions, with appearances from such luminaries as Zaha Hadid Architects, Lucy and Jorge Orta, Hew Locke and Morag Myerscough.
It has also forged partnerships and collaborations with other galleries and organisations, both locally (GIANT Gallery, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) and further afield (Redfern Gallery and Dublin Castle).
Violet McClean, TheGallery curator, says, “TheGallery's 25th anniversary serves as a testament to its enduring commitment to the arts and its impact on AUB and the wider community.”
Ian McKeever's Against Architecture exhibition will run at TheGallery until 18 January 2024.
We all have our own art heroes
Now we're asking for you to be ours
Support TheGallery with a donation
