The Arts Institute – public arts programme

The University’s year-round programme of contemporary art and culture
The Arts Institute – public arts programme

‘Untitled (Bench) 29’ by Narbi Price (2020) Watercolour on paper, A4, Private Collection, UK – narbiprice.co.uk

Due to the UK government's guidance regarding Covid-19, The Levinsky Gallery will be closed from 5 November 2020. We look forward to welcoming visitors again from 2 December 2020.

This season our events will be online and so, when you book an event, you’ll receive a link to enjoy free access to our digital programme from the safety of your home. Explore our online events.

We continue to share news and updates through our social media channels and email newsletters, so please ensure you are signed up.

The Arts Institute is the curated public arts programme of the University of Plymouth which plays a pivotal role in building culture and art in the city and South West region, supporting established, new and emerging artists from around the world.

It comprises The Levinsky Gallery, a space for engaging, contemporary artworks; the Jill Craigie Cinema which screens a diverse range of classic films and contemporary cinematic masterpieces; a cutting-edge theatre and dance programme in The House; musical performances and concerts, and a year-long series of fascinating talks that open up a world of art, literature and history.

Open to everybody.

Contact us: theartsinstitute@plymouth.ac.uk

Our commitment to the safe enjoyment of the arts during the Covid-19 pandemic means that this season's events are free for you to enjoy at home.

The Arts Institute relies on income to develop and deliver a public programme, which not only promotes audience engagement and access to the arts, but also directly supports emerging and established artists' careers and the creation of new content.

In place of the price of a ticket, please consider a donation to The Arts Institute.

Donate here

Thank you for your support.

Legacies and Futures season

“Any map of the world that does not include Utopia is not even worth glancing at.” Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891)

This season we explore the role of the arts in times of crisis, and the space it provides to both soothe and provoke.

Shaped by the university environment, The Arts Institute draws on the best creative thinkers and researchers across diverse art-forms and disciplines. For the Legacies and Futures season we asked our contributors to pose the uncomfortable questions that bring societal issues to the fore, encouraging us to reflect, and helping to carve new pathways to navigate through these strange times. Through art and research Legacies and Futures provides a space for us to question and interrogate previous understandings of our history.

Hop Scotch by Anna Sebastian (2020) Oil on board, 15 x 20cm, detail - annasebastian.com

Director's comments

“Pause, reflect and re-imagine. What happens when the world as we know it turns upside down and grinds to a halt? Such is the premise of much science-fiction, yet the global pandemic in the form of Covid-19 has seen everyday life in 2020 change momentously, from testing the boundaries of medical knowledge, to changing the nature of social relations and exposing economic precarity, social injustice and vulnerability. But what of art and culture in all this?

In times of crisis we invariably find ourselves turning to poets, artists and philosophers to provide a pathway through difficult times. Art and culture can bring people together, connecting the individual with larger collective experiences, whilst providing space to sooth and to provoke. In times of change we need the space for art to do both: to dare to ask uncomfortable questions – the difficult questions that will implement change – whilst also supporting art that alleviates and entertains by lifting us out of the everyday.”

Everywhere: Life in a littered world

22 November 2020 – 31 January 2021

What might the future look like in our littered world? Are there ways that humans, animals and plants can co-exist with or even prosper amongst the rubbish? And what will it take to clean up our act?

This online exhibition presents works by international artists who explore everyday practices of littering and consider its effects.

Everywhere is launched alongside the international conference MICRO2020 which explores the fate and impacts of microplastics in the environment.

Explore the exhibition

red heart - green heart, D. Taylor

5x5x5 series

30 October–13 November 2020

5 x artists. 5 x writers. 5 x researchers. Bringing together diverse voices for an online series of arts and culture, in response to the global issues of 2020.

Experience 15 days of new work. Each day reveals new perspectives that intersect with previous voices to provide a multi-layered cultural narrative as to our current situation. It does not shy away from tackling the difficult questions that are bubbling at the surface and instead seeks to provide insight into issues that have been amplified in the current crisis, including: historical memory, social injustice, the Black Lives Matter movement, and caring for the vulnerable and the marginalised.

Free to access online – find out more

Mayflower 400: Legacies and Futures online curation

The Legacies and Futures digital curation seeks to frame and interrogate colonial heritage. This project re-frames the more familiar Mayflower narrative within more flexible, inclusive and varied parameters.

In 2020, we remember the departure of the Mayflower from Plymouth harbour four hundred years ago. Plymouth was a final stop on a journey to North America, a final stop on a voyage to colonise and conquer the people and landscapes of North America.

This curation, which includes commentary and insights from Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors, collects and presents new observations about the way that we narrate, visualise and remember the past.

Find out more about the project

The Mayflower Steps

Find out more

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  • t "Some truly incredible works here; and well worth a visit." Mark Jessett
  • f "Blissful sheer escapism." Alexandra Miranda
  • t "Fantastic opportunity to see established and up and coming artists! Amazing space." Jason Brownlee
  • . "Absolutely stunning exhibition. Thank you so much for bringing it to Plymouth." Carly Seller on 'Thinking Tantra'
  • t "Was a very fascinating talk from a very fascinating man" @LilMussRuin on 'In Conversation with Peter Greenaway'
  • A "A hidden gem"

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