Arts organisations working on Channel Islands exhibition for 2024

Wednesday 15 March 2023

Two major arts organisations across Guernsey and Jersey have partnered to promote the Channel Islands' creative offering to other jurisdictions - and are already looking at hosting a joint exhibition next year.

Art for Guernsey and ArtHouse Jersey hope the cultural exchange will be non-competitive and further a shared vision on how art can contribute to society.

The partnership was born out of a field trip to Rennes last June. Galleries and museums were contacted, with a view to creating deeper ties between France and the islands. 

The two organisations are currently working on the creation of a collaborative Channel Islands exhibition for 2024, that will develop through a series of artistic residencies on both islands for local and international artists later this year. 

Furthermore, a joint presentation will be delivered to the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce on 20 March, where more details on the partnership will be explained. 

There will also be updates on the project being coordinated with BIAN (Bureau des Iles Anglo-Normandes) around a political summit that will take place at the new Old Quarter exhibition space in September. Senior political representatives from both islands, La Manche and Normandy will be in attendance.

Pictured: The Art for Guernsey team in their up-and-coming Old Quarter gallery. 

Art for Guernsey founder David Ummels (pictured top, left) said the partnership was about positioning the Channel art offering globally. 

“It has been great to build this link with our closest neighbours to facilitate a better and more ambitious provision for arts across the Channel Islands and to present a more unified voice in representing internationally,” he said.

“As we found from our visit to Brittany last year, working together gave a much more coherent and impactful voice to build meaningful partnerships with France and we are looking forward to continuing this work together."

ArtHouse Jersey Director Tom Dingle (pictured top, right) agreed that collaboration would help to emphasise the plight of local artists and initiatives.

“This partnership offers a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge, resources, and expertise. Combining our efforts will offer a broader platform to showcase and celebrate the work of local artists while also providing a further opportunity to bring outstanding exhibitions and projects to the Channel Islands,” he added.