Home / Arts and Entertainment / Coventry Arts Scene Ignites with Major British Art Show
Coventry Arts Scene Ignites with Major British Art Show
2 Oct
Summary
- The 10th British Art Show begins its tour in Coventry on October 2nd.
- The exhibition highlights 37 artists, including Turner Prize winner Nnena Kalu.
- Organizers prioritized access for audiences with disabilities.
The 10th edition of the British Art Show (BAS) has launched in Coventry, marking a significant moment for the West Midlands' art scene. Opening on October 2nd, the exhibition, titled 'a Chorus of Strangers,' features works by 37 artists curated by Ekow Eshun. Displays are hosted at Warwick Arts Centre's Mead Gallery, Coventry University, and the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum before touring other cities.
Kyla Craig, director of Art Riot Collective, highlighted the show's importance in supporting visual artists locally, particularly those outside London. She expressed enthusiasm for Nnena Kalu's work, noting Kalu's achievement as the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize in 2025. Kalu's art involves repetitive spirals and fabric sculptures.
The BAS 10 exhibition places a strong emphasis on accessibility, aiming to include audiences who might not typically access such events. Craig detailed efforts to challenge venues on accessibility for people with disabilities, ensuring broader engagement. Sarah Shalgowsky, principal curator at Warwick Arts Centre, described BAS as the UK's largest touring exhibition of contemporary art.
