Ignition: The Exhibition

Ignition, the exhibition, is now open at Hastings Contemporary. The exhibition showcases art works made during the 2021 residency in the gallery and works from the archive by neurodivergent artists and makers from Project Art Works.

Project Art Works temporarily took over part of Hastings Contemporary for a collaborative residency in March 2021 as the country started to move out of lockdown. This collaboration marked the emergence from isolation to a more hopeful and safe environment within the gallery space.

The opening of the exhibition coincided with The Turner Prize Exhibition show at The Herbert Gallery in Coventry of which Project Art Works was a nominee.

Please download the list of works here.

Listen to a review of the exhibition and an interview with some of the artists at Project Art Works here.

Ignition, closing event at Hastings Contemporary, Saturday 26th March, 2pm – 4pm – As part of Ignition, Project Art Works is holding an afternoon of drawing, talks and alternative gallery tour in the exhibition space at Hastings Contemporary. No booking necessary, entrance fees apply (free entry for carers and disabled people). Read more.

Says Director of Hastings Contemporary Liz Gilmore

Earlier this year at Hastings Contemporary, during lockdown, passers-by looking through the windows of the closed gallery were able to view the studio practices of the astonishing Project Art Works artist collective. It is perhaps not surprising that the extraordinary art and practices of Project Art Works have been nominated for the 2021 Turner Prize. Coinciding with the Turner Prize exhibition in Coventry this autumn, this exhibition gives a chance to see the finished artworks made in lockdown and wider selection of pieces made by this important artist collective. It celebrates the incredible and dynamic contribution of neurominorities to art and society and reflects the commitment and ambitions of Hastings contemporary to be a cultural hub for Hastings.

Says Kate Adams CEO/Artist Director of Project Art Works

Project Art Works has been nominated for the Turner Prize in recognition of our practice over the last 20 years which celebrates and raises awareness of the dynamic and extraordinary contribution neurominorities make to society, art and culture.

We are thrilled that the contribution neurodivergent artists make to cultural and civic life has been recognised by the Turner Prize curatorial team. Hosting our exhibition at Hastings Contemporary gives local people the opportunity to see the work made in our residency earlier this year and join in our celebration of this nomination. We have collaborated with Hastings Contemporary for a number of years so it’s wonderful to have them as hosts of this exhibition.

If you are planning your visit to Hastings Contemporary and need more information about accessibility please visit here.

Image: Luke Bebb, Untitled, 2021, acrylic on fabriano, 240 x 292cm © Project Art Works