Turner Contemporary 2016 programme announced
One of the top attractions in the area is the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate. Situated on the seafront, a short walk from the station, with spectacular views of the stunning Margate skies and sea from its massive windows, the Turner is a sparse modern white building reminiscent of the kind of shed you might expect to find doing something related to the fishing or shipping industry, if it didn’t look so very pristine and new.
Inside a neon sign in the entrance foyer proclaims “Art Inspiring Change” and it’s true to say that having this world class art gallery in Margate has been transformative for our part of the world in recent years.
Everyone who visits Thanet should see the Turner, whether you are normally an “art buff” or not, the exhibitions to date have been a fascinating mix and there is a vibrant events programme too – with workshops for kids and adults and some truly extraordinary happenings like the Art Car Boot Fair and Looping the Loop being just two of the treats from 2015.
Today we received a preview of the programme for 2016 – the year of the gallery’s fifth anniversary. It’s exciting and we thought you’d like to know what’s coming up.
The new programme will include exhibitions ranging from psychedelic films, watercolours painted on tissue paper fluttering in invisible air currents, an exploration of circles, lots and lots of JMW Turners, glamour and theatricality, skulls and Svarovski crystals!
A wide ranging schools project will get primary school age children working together to lead the regeneration of their towns and communities. We all know small children can be persuasive and entertaining when they want to be! As part of Art Inspiring Change, which will run from January 2016 till July 2017, they will firstly identify sites in their own neighbourhoods that matter to them and will then be helped to develop enhanced leadership, communication and negotiation skills to inspire others in their community to get involved, with the firm intention to make a real difference. What would your children (if you have any) make of this? Take them to the Turner and open their eyes to new possibilities and their own personal power!
Here are the key dates
Joachim Koester: The Other Side of the Sky: 4 February – 8 May 2016
Danish artist who’s subtle yet sensuous work explores the medium of film.
Leise Wilson: 365 Days: 4 February – 10 March 2016
Fluttering watercolours
Seeing Round Corners: 21 May – 25 September 2016
Circles, spheres and discs – the idea of roundness
Turner and Colour: 8 October 2016 – 8 January 2017
Over 70 original JMW Turner paintings, including work inspired by Margate seas and skies.
Art Inspiring Change: project with primary school children: January 2016 – July 2017
For more information about each of the shows and other events taking place throughout the year ahead, visit the Turner website, you can also sign up to their mailing list to get regular updates direct in your inbox.
The Turner isn’t one of those galleries you go into and can get swallowed up, it’s not massive, it’s a bright and airy place, there’s also a lovely café with views of the beach and plenty of seats in the foyer and elsewhere so you can really relax there and enjoy the exhibitions – or just being in the space – at your own pace.
You can get there from Broadstairs by train or bus, or drive and park on the harbour arm, and it’s only a few minutes away, all three towns in Thanet are a stone’s throw from each other. You could also do a two hour walk all round the coast to get there or take your bike and chain it up on the harbour arm.
If you’re staying with us in one of our Broadstairs Holiday Lets why not let us know what you think of the Turner after your visit via our Facebook page?
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