The UK's first permanent mobile museum is set to revolutionize access to art, bringing world-class collections directly to communities across the country. This innovative project, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and arts access charity Art Explora, promises to bridge the gap between those who have access to museums and those who don't. With a total budget of £1.6 million, the museum will tour three national collections per year, including the Government Art Collection (GAC), starting in 2027.
The museum's design is a testament to the creativity and vision of renowned British architect Ab Rogers. Rogers' design captures the essence of a circus arriving in town, creating an explosive burst of energy and anticipation. The museum will be a vibrant and mobile entity, bringing art to life in unexpected places. This approach aligns with Art Explora's mission to tackle social, economic, and geographic barriers to art participation.
The GAC, established in 1899, is a national collection of historic, modern, and contemporary British art. It is displayed in government buildings and has been seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The collection promotes British art and contributes to cultural diplomacy. Through its public engagement program, the GAC brings artworks into communities and supports creative exchange and skill development for young people.
The mobile museum will tour the South West and North West of England this summer, showcasing the 'Shaped by the Sea' exhibition. This exhibition explores the sea's influence on people, places, and communities through themes of exploration, migration, and climate change. The artworks, by British artists such as Roger Ackling, Simon Bayliss, and Bridget Riley, reflect the diverse ways the sea has shaped the UK and the world.
The project builds on the success of previous Art Explora mobile museum tours in the Midlands and the North. It also aligns with the Culture Secretary's commitment to the Arts Everywhere Fund, which aims to save over 1,000 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage buildings across England. This commitment ensures that art is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Jemima Montagu, Director of Art Explora, emphasizes the museum's role in bridging the gap between those who have access to museums and those who don't. She describes the museum as a 'tardis for the 21st century,' a source of wonder and inspiration that will bring art to the heart of communities. Frédéric Jousset, Founder and Chair of Trustees, Art Explora, highlights the value of bringing national art collections directly to communities, a mission that Art Explora has been advocating for over 15 years in France.
Ab Rogers, Founder and Director of Ab Rogers Design, expresses his passion for the project, stating that it's a project close to his heart. The mobile museum is a testament to Rogers' expertise in small spaces and experiential design, known for his use of color, narrative, and high functionality. The design competition, judged by a panel of experts, included international firms like 6A Architects and Map Project Office, showcasing the high caliber of talent involved in this groundbreaking project.
In conclusion, the UK's first permanent mobile museum is a significant step towards ensuring that art is accessible to everyone, everywhere. It promises to bring the wonders of art to communities, schools, and care settings, fostering connections and enriching lives. As the museum hits the road, it will undoubtedly become a source of wonder and inspiration, bringing the joy of art to all corners of the UK.
