News

Gallery without walls comes to London

9th February 2007

London is one step closer to the completion of an ambitious project to create the Capital’s largest open-air art gallery. Three proposed designs for the space, located at the heart of Chelsea College of Art and Design, next door to Tate Britain, will go on display at the College on 19 February.

Formerly the Parade Ground of the Royal Army Medical College, the magnificent space will be transformed into a landmark arts and exhibition venue – a gallery without walls. The new space will become the home for a groundbreaking programme of events and exhibitions designed to push the boundaries of artistic expression and redefine what art is.

Funded by a £1.5 million gift to University of the Arts London from the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation, the site will showcase:

• Cutting edge installations on a monumental scale by artists keen to move beyond studio-based work
• The work of University of the Arts London’s artists in residence
• The work of students, staff and alumni of Chelsea College of Art and Design and the other five Colleges that make up University of the Arts London, including Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and London College of Fashion
• Major events in collaboration with other leading arts institutions.

Once completed, the Parade Ground will join a distinguished list of public art spaces committed to bringing art to the community.

Sir Michael Bichard, Rector of University of the Arts London, says: ‘It is fitting that Europe’s leading art and design university should create one of Europe’s great artistic spaces in the heart of the most creative city in the world. Once completed, the Parade Ground at Chelsea will be a beacon of artistic endeavour showcasing the range of artistic activity undertaken at University of the Arts London.’

‘A design competition is a great way of getting fresh ideas, encouraging creativity and developing a truly innovative space which will draw in people from across the world.’

Terry Anderson, from the Landscape Institute, the organisers of the competition to select the final design for the Parade Ground say: ‘As the centre of an art and design establishment it is a wonderful project to work on. We invited entries from a dynamic range of landscape architects and architectural practices whose creativity and imagination ensured that the standard of entry was extremely high.’

The three shortlisted entries will be on display on 19 and 20 February at Chelsea College of Art & Design. The selection panel will make a final decision and announce the winner at the end of February.