Globally-reknowned artists on show as famous Swansea gallery re-opens
Glynn Vivian welcomes exhibits from the likes of Grayson Perry, Anish Kapoor and Tracey Emin as it opens its doors to the public again
Swansea’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is due to reopen tomorrow - Saturday, September 19.
It plans to open its doors to the public with exhibitions featuring work by the likes of Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry, award-winning sculptor Hew Locke and Turner Prize winner Anish Kapoor.
However, things will be a little different at the Swansea Council-run city centre attraction as it continues to play its part in tackling coronavirus and protecting the safety of visitors and staff.
Changes include:
· Visitors should plan ahead.
· Reduced opening times – Wed-Sun 11am-3.30pm (last entry 2.40pm).
· Entry is encouraged by going online to book a timed session through www.glynnvivian.co.uk. Walk-ups may have to queue.
· Entry numbers limited to six every 20 minutes.
· Social distancing, one-way system and hand sanitiser in place.
· Additional cleaning schedules.
· Entrance is only through the gallery garden.
· Exit is only through the Alexandra Road glass doors.
· The café is closed for the time being.
Arrangements will be reviewed regularly. The shop and toilets are open – and discussions continue to reopen the café in the coming weeks.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “It will be great to have the Glynn Vivian back as a place to visit and enjoy art.
“I know that supporters will accept the changes – it’s important that, with coronavirus still here, we all do our bit to keep the threat of a local lockdown at bay.
“I thank the staff for their efforts at this time and for all the work they have put in over the past few months to keep audiences engaged and entertained online.”
The Glynn Vivian reopens with a rescheduled season of exhibitions in partnership with Swansea Pride. They will showcase work by artists Charles Atlas (USA), Catrin Webster (Wales), Roy Efrat (Israel/Germany) and Dafydd Williams (Wales).
Exhibits will include video installations, photography, painting, video mapping and performance. They will explore interrelated themes of inclusivity, diversity, gender, language, ideological and political systems and climate change. This is supported by Art Fund, Friends of Glynn Vivian and the Arts Council of Wales.
The gallery also welcomes a British Museum touring exhibition, Pushing paper: contemporary drawing from 1970 to now. Work in this includes pieces by Emin, Perry, Locke, Kapoor and David Hockney.
The exhibition is curated by museum staff from partner museums from around the UK, including Glynn Vivian exhibitions officer Katy Freer. It is supported by the Bridget Riley Art Foundation.
Also on show is a new display of the gallery’s own varied collection.