The Arts Institute – public arts programme

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

Raft of the Medusa. Photo by Jonty Wilde and Studio Orta

It is with regret that in response to the UK government's guidance regarding Covid-19, the remainder of our summer 2020 programme is cancelled and our Gallery remains closed. Whilst we continue to monitor the situation, we are now scheduling for a full digital Autumn programme, with the enjoyment, safety and wellbeing of our audience at the forefront of our planning.

The Arts Institute (formerly Peninsula Arts) is the wide-ranging 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 hosts the largest contemporary art gallery in Plymouth, The Levinsky Gallery; a diverse range of classic films and contemporary cinematic masterpieces screened in the Jill Craigie Cinema; 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 the world of history.

Open to all University of Plymouth students and the public.

Ancient Mariner Big Read

Stars of the stage and screen, arts and music transform one of English Literature’s most celebrated poems, Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

An epic tale of adventure, fear and fascination this 18th-century science fiction has prophetic messages for the natural world, climate breakdown and mental health globally relevant in the 21st century. Free to access, this online audio/visual work comprises 40 daily online broadcasts it is narrated by celebrity voices, paired with artwork by a renowned contemporary artist, and complemented by scientific, cultural and personal commentary.

Encounters season at The Arts Institute

This season we have shaped our programme around the theme of Encounters. At The Arts Institute we are interested in presenting the latest ideas and developments within culture, working with artists, musicians and thinkers who are often at the very cutting edge of their field, overturning pre-existing ideas through new discoveries, encounters and inventions.

With equal passion we are also interested in how the present is shaped by the past. The dialogue between past, present and the bringing to light of hidden seams of history that have directly, or indirectly shaped our landscape today, is what informs much of the development of our programme.

Conversation and collaboration, across art forms and disciplines, including the STEM subjects are key to this way of working, to ensure we present ideas to our audiences that are relevant and fresh. 

Antarctica Raft of the Medusa. Courtesy Lucy + Jorge Orta

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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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