Blank Canvas Torre Abbey Torquay

Blank Canvas at Torre Abbey reveals a new hotbed for talent in the South West

Following the reopening of the multimillion pound newly restored Torre Abbey on Torquay’s seafront, there is an exciting new show in town.
Aimed at promoting the best of modern art in the Southwest, Blank Canvas will bring a fresh contemporary feel to one of the English Riviera’s most important historic monuments.

Blank Canvas artists of all disciplines will be showcasing exceptional sculptures, paintings, installations, dancing, performance, theatre, poetry and music during the five week festival running from 27th September until 8th November.
The Blank Canvas ethos was to discard a formal artist brief and placed no restrictions on content or media on the artist, resulting in an overwhelming choice of work which was carefully selected. Hence the open exhibition aims to express and reflect current ideas and practices in the Southwest art scene today. A prize fund of £1500 will be given to no more than three artists thought to best echo this ethos of the Blank Canvas exhibition.

Art connoisseurs, locals, visitors and families will not only enjoy the exhibitions on show in the glorious Georgian top gallery, Cary Room and other areas of the Abbey but the many free interactive events, held mainly on Sundays. In addition, along side this hotbed of talent, are some of the county’s most impressive permanent historic art collections in the formal galleries.

This is a first time event for the Abbey and for Torbay, bringing together many art forms as a festival. In recent months the bay has gained a reputation for being a leading light amongst seaside cultural hotspots and Blank Canvas is an excellent example of how many sectors can work together to raise an area’s profile.

New keeper of art at Torre Abbey Amelia Marriette states that “Blank Canvas is inspired by the Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition, and I hope that this will be a chance to create the same buzz and excitement that this elicits. It will create a wonderful opportunity to hang exciting, dynamic and contemporary work in a traditional setting. Above all it is about art and artists and a chance for the visitors to engage with live art, meet performers and see some of the best new work in the South West.”

Many of the artworks are available for purchase, and Torre Abbey invites first time buyers to browse and seasoned collectors to seek out budding new artists.

Blank Canvas is kindly supported by Torbay Council, Friends of Torre Abbey, Torre Abbey, Torbay Poetry Festival and The Great Create.

Blank Canvas interactive will be hosted on each Sunday in October at the Abbey, whilst the Blank Canvas exhibition will run from 27th September – 8th November. Please visit Torbay Tourist Information Centres and local libraries for Blank Canvas leaflets.
Normal entrance fees to Torre Abbey apply (£2.50 - £5.90)
Open from 10am – 6pm each day (last admission 5pm)
W:www.torre-abbey.org.uk
T:01803 293593
E:torre-abbey@torbay.gov.uk