AN EXHIBITION that showcases artistic talent from across the East Midlands will open at Leicester’s flagship museum on Saturday (14 December).
Open: The People’s Exhibition will feature works by local people – from complete beginners to seasoned professionals – that were selected by a panel of independent judges from almost 1,000 entries.
The paintings, sculptures, textiles, prints and photographs on display have been created by artists aged 19 and over who live or study in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Northamptonshire.
Work by young artists aged five to 18 is also on display, with a number of schools in the region also participating.
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: “The annual Open exhibition always attracts a huge amount of interest from all kinds of artists, and this year we’ll be presenting the work of more than 200 local artists and makers.
“The Open provides a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work in the fabulous surroundings of Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, and it’s a great way to celebrate the rich artistic diversity of the region.
“From Saturday (14 December), members of the public will be able see all these extraordinary works for themselves – and perhaps be inspired to take part next year.”
The Open exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery opens to the public on Saturday 14 December and runs until Friday 31 January 2025.
Admission is free of charge.
All the artworks on display are available to buy, with prices starting at £50, and purchased pieces can be collected from the museum from Saturday 1 February.
Leicester City Council is grateful to the following organisations for their generous sponsorship:
- Arch Creative
- Art House
- Leicester Museums & Galleries Development Trust
- Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) East Midlands
- Curve
- De Montfort Hall
- LCB Depot
- Leicester Gallery
- Leicester Print Workshop
- Leicester Lo-Fi Photography
- Soft Touch Arts
- Phoenix