Swansea to host major UK contemporary art exhibition in 2027

Swansea is set to host the exhibition from February 12 to May 16 – its only stop in Wales – from its base at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, spanning to a range of locations around the city including high street venues, temporary and permanent community arts spaces.

Over the last four decades the British Art Show has brought some of the country’s best-known artists, including Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry, David Hockney and Lucian Freud, to cities across Britain.

Now British Art Show 10: A Chorus of Strangers will tour the UK as a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition, launching in Coventry in October 2026 before visiting Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle-Gateshead.

British Art Show 10 is the largest and most significant recurring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK and is developed and produced by Hayward Gallery Touring, part of Southbank Centre.

The exhibition will include a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, film, sound and installation, and will explore the themes of Moments of Being, Ways of Living and States of Nature.

The exhibition will be on display at Glynn Vivian, at the new home for Elysium Gallery on Belle Vue Way, with plans for a presence in additional venues such as Y Storfa in the city centre, subject to confirmation.

Alongside the exhibition, there will be a programme of activity including workshops, talks, tours and events.

Tracey McNulty, Swansea  Council’s head of cultural services, said: “Swansea being selected as a host city for British Art Show 10 reflects the strength and ambition of our cultural offer and a recognition of the skills and ability of the team at the Glynn Vivian to coordinate and host such an attraction.

“We are grateful for the enduring partnership with Hayward touring and for the support received from Arts Council Wales, which has helped make this happen, not just for Swansea but for the nation.”

Karen MacKinnon, curator at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, said: “we are all excited about the opportunity to work together on a major, multi-venue national project.

“Curator Ekow Eshun will be bringing together an incredible range of artists from across the UK, and this exhibition will create new opportunities for local artists and a lasting creative legacy for Swansea.

“Glynn Vivian has a longstanding relationship with Hayward Gallery Touring and we very much look forward to working with them on this major exhibition.”

Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales said it was pleased offer support funding.

He said: “The British Art Show, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase what Swansea has to offer in terms of its vibrant art scene, raises awareness and increases opportunities for the artistic community, and best of all will bring people into the city to enjoy an exciting cultural offer.”

The full tour schedule for British Art Show 10 is:

• Coventry: 2 October 2026 – 10 January 2027
• Swansea: 12 February – 16 May 2027
• Bristol: 19 June – 19 September 2027
• Sheffield: 23 October 2027 – 20 February 2028
• Newcastle Gateshead: 24 March – 18 June 2028

British Art Show 10 in Swansea is supported by Swansea Council and Arts Council Wales.