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British Art Show coming to Coventry University to celebrate the city’s role in the arts
University news
Tuesday 10 March 2026
Press contact
The eyes of the art world will focus on Coventry this Autumn as the city plays host to the prestigious British Art Show - with Coventry University set to play a key role.
The show, held once every five years, is the UK’s premiere exhibition of contemporary art and will showcase the work of influential, high-profile artists at Coventry University, University of Warwick and Herbert Art Gallery.
Held since 1979, it is developed and produced by Hayward Gallery Touring at London’s Southbank Centre and will be led by renowned curator Ekow Eshun.
In the past the show has helped introduce artists such as David Hockney, Bridget Riley, Lucian Freud, Frank Bowling, Paula Rego, Mary Kelly, Frank Auerbach, Mona Hatoum, Cornelia Parker and Anish Kapoor to millions across the country.
Coventry University’s Delia Derbyshire building will play host to some of the show’s exhibits, alongside the Mead Gallery at the University of Warwick and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
Following its time in Coventry, the show, in its tenth iteration this year, will move on to Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle Gateshead.
This is an incredibly prestigious event and in the past cities that have hosted the British Art Show have gone on to see further investment supporting the longer term development of the arts and creative sectors.
This event only happens once every five years and everybody involved in the visual arts will have their eyes on it – the show acts as a bit of a temperature check of where contemporary British art is at the moment and it also gives us the chance to celebrate Coventry’s contribution to visual arts practice both now and in the past.
We’re thrilled to be one of the venues hosting in Coventry. What is really distinctive about us is the fact we’re not a traditional gallery or a museum, we are a place that makes art and this will be visibly happening alongside the British Art Show.
Not only is this a great opportunity for the city, it brings great benefit to our students who will gain experience through the installation of the artworks, they will invigilate the public exhibitions, and engagement with the content of the show will form part of their studies. It really will give them a taste of the kind of opportunities available within the sector.
Craig Ashley, from Coventry University's College of Arts and Society
Over its almost 50-year history, the British Art Show has been unrivalled in its artistic ambitions and national reach, each edition engaging with the most significant art of its time.
[curator]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.
Brian Cass, Head of Hayward Gallery Touring
Find out more about Coventry University’s College of the Arts and Society.
