Museums and galleries
World Art Day – Art on your doorstep in Walsall
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As the world comes together to celebrate World Art Day on 15 April, The New Art Gallery Walsall invites residents and visitors to explore the incredible artworks right on their doorstep. Recognised for its outstanding art collections and exhibitions, the Gallery is a cultural hub for the West Midlands, offering free access to world-class art. It also celebrates its 25th year in 2025.
World Art Day, which takes place every year on 15 April, the anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s birth, is a celebration to promote the development, diffusion and enjoyment of art around the world.
Home to the prestigious Garman Ryan Collection, The New Art Gallery Walsall boasts an impressive Collection of works from world-renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, John Constable and J.M.W. Turner.
The treasured collection, gifted to the town by Kathleen Garman, widow of sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein, and her friend Sally Ryan, provides an extraordinary opportunity to engage with the work of famous artists without having to travel far. Garman grew up in Wednesbury, had lived her adult life in London, but wanted to give something back to her home county, believing it was important for culture to exist outside of the capital.
Beyond its permanent Collection, the Gallery also showcases contemporary exhibitions that challenge and inspire. Current highlights include Earthbound, featuring artworks highlighting our connection to the earth, The Joy Project exploring the concept of ‘joy’ and an exhibition of new work by Streetly-born artist Suzanne Holtom looking at the Black Country ‘geosites’ of Barr Beacon, Streetly and Wren’s Nest.
The Garman Ryan Collection. Photo: Mark Hinton
Learn to screen print with artist Rob Conway on Thursday 17 April
The Garman Ryan Collection. Photo: Mark Hinton
Gabhru Panjab de Bhangra team performing at the Gallery in 2024
“ Art has the power to bring people together, spark imagination, and inspire change. On World Art Day, we encourage everyone to reconnect with the incredible cultural venues available right here in Walsall. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or visiting for the first time, The New Art Gallery Walsall’s doors are open to all, and admission is free. “
In addition to its exhibitions, The New Art Gallery Walsall offers engaging workshops, family-friendly activities, and guided tours. Easter activities include learning to screenprint your own Easter Egg tote bag (Thursday 17 April), create wooden Peg People (Wednesday 16 April) and exploring watercolour painting techniques (Sunday 13 April). April also sees a Vaisakhi Community Day (Saturday 26 April) with a performance from the multi award-winning Gabhru Panjab de Bhangra team and tabla performances from world-famous Dalbir Singh Rattan and his students, have-a-go Kundalini Yoga and creative workshops for all ages from local artists.
For more information on current exhibitions and events visit www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
About The New Art Gallery Walsall
The New Art Gallery Walsall presents, collects, and interprets historic, modern and contemporary art in innovative and challenging ways, welcoming visitors from all over the globe as well as our immediate locality. They aim to increase the understanding and enjoyment of arts and culture through a dynamic exhibition, education and events programme.
The New Art Gallery Walsall is funded by revenue support from Walsall Council and Arts Council England. The New Art Gallery Walsall is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sundays, 12-4pm.
Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays.
Free admission
www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
