The Arts Institute – public arts programme

The University’s year-round programme of contemporary art and culture
Image courtesy of Lloyd Russell, University of Plymouth
Image courtesy of Lloyd Russell, University of Plymouth

Our season from September 2023

Dive into the new season with programming designed to inspire challenge and entertain.
Ocean, our new exhibition in The Levinsky Gallery from September, has been curated by The Arts Institute team in collaboration with the Marine Institute as a forum where science and creativity meet. Three commissioned works by Bridgette Ashton, Mat Chivers and Stefanie Posavec create a rich tapestry of ocean narratives exploring the hidden secrets of Drake's Island, the awe-inspiring majesty of the Eddystone Lighthouse, and the intricate, underwater world of Plymouth Sound. Each artist innovatively bridges the gap between science and art, offering an immersive, experiential exploration of the marine world. 
This interactive exhibition has inspired a sea of related programming across our wider offering, as well as its own series of Bitesize gallery talks. Take part in real-world experiments at the science station and explore the digital wonders of the marine world through the National Marine Park, connecting you with the ocean. What could you be inspired to do to protect it?
Eager to respond to some of the challenges highlighted by the art and research featured in our exhibition? Register for the Ocean Hackathon 2023 hosted here in Britain’s Ocean City in association with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Collaborate with diverse participants to use data, creative and business expertise to prototype solutions over 48 hours!
Our Musica Viva concert series is once again set to make waves. Highlights include Piano Passions featuring Beethoven, Ravel and Chopin, and Virtuoso Violin where we welcome back violinist Mathilde Milwidsky and pianist Huw Watkins to Levinsky Hall by popular demand. Later in January, the visit of The London Gershwin Players, with Mark Forkgen, conductor and Robert Taub, piano, will be an unmissable upbeat, celebration of Gershwin and the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue.
Navigating our talks, readings and screenings we’re delighted to welcome acclaimed composer Judith Weir for a unique 'In Conversation' event hosted by our own Director of Music, Dr Robert Taub in celebration of the awarding of her Honorary Doctorate. We’ll also host a poetry reading with Anthony (Vahni) Capildeo and Will Harris as part of the Poetry and Care Conference taking place at the University this autumn, and once again have an interesting and topical series from The Historical Association and talks in connection with our film programme including the popular Celluloid Psychology series .
In performance, we invite practitioners and producers to join a series of practical sessions with Eden’s Cave exploring process, performance making and the role of experimental art at a time of crisis. And we welcome audiences to Made In (India) Britain an accessible performance in BSL, Spoken English and Closed Captions, exploring questions of ableism, racism, identity and belonging. By award-winning Rinkoo Barpaga, this “Confident and Charismatic” (The Stage) performance was winner of Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit of the Fringe Awards in 2022.

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

The Arts Institute's public programme promotes audience engagement, access to the arts, and directly supports emerging and established artists' careers. Please consider a donation to support development and delivery of our programme.

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Ocean

16 September – 16 December 2023
Ocean explores and celebrates our human connection with the water that covers over 70% of the planet. It does this from a number of different perspectives, bringing together world-leading researchers with contemporary artists and designers to create new works that invite a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of land and sea. 
Photo by Lloyd Russell, University of Plymouth

Musica Viva

18 September 2023 – 4 March 2024
The Musica Viva Concert Series brings internationally acclaimed performers to our Plymouth community to inspire, educate, challenge, and unite audiences by presenting world-class musicians in public concert performances, open rehearsals, and informal talks.
Kleio Quartet (image credit: Matthew Johnson Photographer)

Historical Association talks

An unhappy finale: colonial rule in British Central Africa, 1938-1960s | 17 October 2023
This talk reflects on political power and economic development in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland in the final years of colonial rule.
Captives and Captors | 14 November 2023
This talk shines a light on the fascinating history of Mill Prison in Plymouth. Purpose-built in 1695, the site originally held 300 prisoners overflowing from hulks moored on the Hamoaze. 
Plan of Mill Prison, Plymouth (image credit: The Bridgeman Art Library)

Celluloid Psychology

30 October – 4 December 2023
The Celluloid Psychology series is an ongoing series of films exploring the mind and brain in cinema. Each of the carefully selected films is curated and introduced by a specialist in human behaviour who will discuss how their area of expertise can shed unexpected light on the psychological questions explored in the film.
Psychology eye

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Word is...

  • 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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