Warwick Arts Centre Hosts 10th British Art Show Launch

Warwick Arts Centre will co-host the opening of British Art Show 10, the UK’s most important touring exhibition of contemporary art. The exhibition will open in Coventry in September 2026 before touring to Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle Gateshead.

The major presentation in Coventry will be held across Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Coventry University.

Developed and produced by Hayward Gallery Touring, which is part of the Southbank Centre, British Art Show has been showcasing the best in contemporary British art since 1979. Held every five years, it has introduced millions to artists who go on to shape the national and international art scene. Past editions have featured David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Anish Kapoor, and Sonia Boyce.

Sarah Shalgosky, Principal Curator at the University of Warwick, said: “We’re delighted that Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre will play such a central role in launching British Art Show 10. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect audiences in Coventry and the wider region with the most exciting contemporary art being made in the UK today. This is a moment of national significance – and we’re thrilled that it begins here at Warwick.”

This year’s curator, Ekow Eshun, is one of the UK’s most influential cultural figures. His past exhibitions include In the Black Fantastic at Hayward Gallery and The Time is Always Now at the National Portrait Gallery. For British Art Show 10, he will bring together artists whose work speaks to the social, political and cultural issues shaping Britain today.

Warwick Arts Centre’s involvement continues its strong track record of bringing major national exhibitions to Coventry and ensuring that contemporary art remains accessible and relevant to local communities.

Ekow Eshun, Curator of British Art Show 10, said: “It is a great honour to be appointed curator of the British Art Show, an exhibition that has long played a pivotal role in shaping and reflecting the discourse of contemporary art in the UK. I am thrilled by the opportunity to engage with artists whose practices speak powerfully to our time, and to craft a show that invites reflection, provokes dialogue, and expands the ways we engage with art in Britain today.”

Brian Cass, Head of Hayward Gallery Touring, adds: “Over its almost 50 year history British Art Show has been unrivalled in its artistic ambitions and national reach, each edition engaging with the most significant art of its time. Ekow Eshun has an extraordinary track record of making exhibitions that shape the conversation about art and culture and we are looking forward to the new perspectives he will bring to British Art Show 10, and working with our partners to expand the exhibitions reach and relevance for audiences in Coventry, Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle Gateshead.”

Mark Ball, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, said: “The Southbank Centre was born as part of the Festival of Britain in 1951 – a nationwide celebration and ‘beacon of change’ showcasing the best in arts, technology and science; a look to a future filled with hope and optimism. As we near the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary, we have sought real inspiration from the spirit of the Festival of Britain and the British Art Show is a quintessential example of this; presenting exciting and innovative artists that speak to our time to audiences across the country. We’re thrilled to be taking the British Art Show to more people and cities than ever before, collaborating with and supporting creative spaces across the UK and opening up contemporary art to as many people as possible.”