British Art Show 9 only happens every five years and this autumn it is in Plymouth across a number of venues:  KARST, The Box, MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth, and The Levinsky Gallery at University of Plymouth until 23 December (continuing at The Box until 8 January 2023)

The British Art Show is known for showcasing the most exciting contemporary art Britain has to offer, and this year, we wanted to know what young people in Plymouth thought about it. 

So, Barbican Theatre and Rising Arts engaged a team of 7 dynamic individuals (aged 16 - 25) to shake up British Art Show 9, say what they see and help other people understand what they’re looking at through an Alternative Audioguide (but not necessarily an actual audio guide). The team members didn't need to know about ‘art’ or exhibitions to get involved, we just wanted to hear what they really thought and were looking for people who say it like it is, are curious, thoughtful, might not have ever visited an exhibition before and love a discussion or debate. 

Their version of an audio guide would be alternative in the sense that it’s their real thoughts and voices talking about British Art Show 9 in a way that appeals to them and therefore other young people in and around our city. The group met for 2 hours a week over 5 weeks from November to January. 

While planning their 'response' we asked them to consider (amongst many others) questions such as:

Do you think people think art galleries and exhibitions are boring and out of touch? 

Do you think British Art Show 9 is for you? 

What is art anyway???!!! 

Produced with support from Plymouth Culture, Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, The Box Plymouth, KARST,  University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and Arts Fund.