Touchstones are working with Tate on an exciting new project, building on their Artist Rooms collections of contemporary and modern art to create a new type of exhibition, co-created with members of our community.
Together with artist Erica Matthews, Touchstones has formed an art group based in Middleton who will delve into Tate’s Artist Rooms collection and Touchstones’ own collections in order to curate a unique exhibition, inspired by their own experiences of viewing and making art. Throughout Touchstones’ closure for redevelopment, the group will meet weekly to research, discuss and develop an overarching narrative for the exhibition, choosing a story to tell and selecting pieces for inclusion.
When the building reopens in 2025, the final exhibition will form part of the opening programme, pioneering the spirit of co-curation which will come to define Touchstones in the years ahead.
About Artist Rooms
Artist Rooms is a collection of modern and contemporary art. Established in 2008, the collection includes major bodies of work by more than 40 international artists. The guiding principle is to show the work of each artist in dedicated solo exhibitions. Through Artist Rooms, important works of art can be seen by visitors across the United Kingdom. Since the touring programme began in 2009, nearly 50 million people have visited more than 180 exhibitions at over 85 museums and galleries, from Penzance to the Hebrides, and from Belfast to Llandudno. Artist Rooms gives young people across the UK the chance to get involved in creative projects, discover more about art and artists, and learn new skills.
The touring programme is delivered by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate in a partnership with Ferens Art Gallery until December 2020, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, by Art Fund and by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Jointly owned by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate, the collection was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish and British Governments.