The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is inviting members of the public to help create a new art exhibition for the transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST).
Artist Luke Jerram is working with the RSC to develop My RSC Gallery, which will be revealed later this year as part of the RST’s re-opening programme.
The exhibition will see 50 boxes embedded into the walls of the new theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon, each displaying individual works of art.
RSC events and exhibitions manager Jo Whitford said: “One of our main ambitions for the transformation project was to create a building that is welcoming for everybody, and My RSC Gallery reflects this ambition.
“Throughout the project, we have invited people to be part of the process, opening the site to the public whenever possible, and asking for their opinions throughout the consultation, so it felt right that they should have this chance to create something unique for the RST and share in the excitement surrounding the new theatre.
People taking part will be asked to send photographs of their artwork via the RSC website, in advance of selections being made for the My RSC Gallery. Those chosen will be then be contacted to submit the physical artwork itself, ready to feature in the exhibition.
Artwork should be inspired by Shakespeare, theatre or the RST, and can be made using a variety of methods.
Mr Jerram said: “We are hoping the exhibition will showcase a range of techniques, with anything from models, paintings or sculptures through to items from theatre trips, objects or words.
“It’s a great opportunity for the public to embed their creative input into the new theatre. I’m really excited to see the range of artworks made and how they’ll relate to one another as a permanent exhibition in the building.”
Those submitting a photograph of their artwork to the RSC will be asked to send in an accompanying 100-word description detailing the idea behind their creation, which will also be taken into account when the final works of art are selected for the exhibition.
Submissions open in late spring and those whose artwork is selected to feature in My RSC Gallery will be contacted in October, in advance of the exhibition being unveiled in the RST in November.
UK residents aged 18 years and over are welcome to participate in the project. For further details, including the box dimensions into which artwork must fit, please visit www.rsc.org.uk/transformation
The RST will open for preview events and activities in November with the first productions taking place next February.
