Collector David Roberts—who closed London gallery to bring art to the regions—will focus 2020 programme on Scotland

Arts

Paul Maheke, Melika Ngombe Kolongo (Nkisi) and Ariel Efraim Ashbel performing Sènsa (2019) at ASSEMBLE, Volksbühne, Berlin Photo: Frank Sperling

Artists Lina Lapelytė, Paul Maheke and Nina Beier will present a series of new live performance works at this years Glasgow International contemporary art festival (28 April-10 May) backed by the non-profit David Roberts Art Foundation (Draf). The move is part of Scottish collector David Roberts strategy to expand to the UK regions; in 2017, Roberts closed his gallery in Camden, north London, after five years.

“The main focus [in 2020] will be Scotland, to strengthen existing links with organisations in Glasgow, Edinburgh and others to be announced,” a project statement says. The Glasgow International performance event, due to take place 23 April, includes the UK premiere of a new work by French-born Maheke, commissioned by the Renaissance Society in Chicago. Aarhus-born Beier will preview a new commission due to be shown at the MoCo contemporary art centre in Montepellier later this year.

One of the main Glasgow International venues is the Gallery of Modern Art, which was mentioned in a recent budget review conducted by Glasgow city council. Closing the gallery is one option put forward to help balance budgets. “There is obviously a fantastic art scene in Glasgow but it would be a great shame if Glasgow did not have a dedicated museum for modern art,” Roberts says.

He adds: “Were not just working in Scotland though. In 2018 we collaborated with Mostyn gallery [in Llandudno, north Wales] on a group exhibition of works from the collection which was very well received. We want to draw on that experience in a project were planning in Sheffield; we will be more regional in focus.”

Every October, Draf hosts an evening of performance works during Frieze week in London (the 2019 edition took place at the Ministry of Sound club, featuring artists suchRead More – Source

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