LOOKING BACK AT 2024 AND FORWARD TO 2025

AS 2024 COMES TO A CLOSE, JAMES GREEN, GALLERY DIRECTOR, REFLECTS ON A YEAR OF AMBITIOUS EXHIBITIONS AND AN EXUBERANCE OF CELEBRATORY EVENTS THAT PUNCTUATED THE SEASONS.

EXHIBITIONS
Nicola Bealing’s captivating exhibition, Dead-Man’s Fingers, stood out as a highlight, blending storytelling with intricate detail to become one of our most popular shows. Melanie Manchot’s acclaimed film and installation STEPHEN reflected our commitment to social change and the power of art to transform lives. We also celebrated the launch of Social Fabric, a diverse exploration of textile art spanning both venues. This exhibition tied our contemporary programming to Cornwall’s too-often-hidden textiles heritage, particularly the history of textile art production by women in the region. Libita Sibungu’s poignant In Living Memory reminded us of art’s ability to connect the past with the present in evocative ways. The exhibition offered an insight into Libita’s developing research, which will inform her major show in 2026.

Initiatives such as Tea, Cake & Art continued to provide meaningful spaces for social and creative connection. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and fundraising efforts.

EVENTS
Throughout 2024, our events brought together friends, neighbours, and supporters, reinforcing the role of Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange in Penzance as vibrant hubs at the heart of the community. From our joyful Summer Fair to the festive Winter Fair, these gatherings celebrated creativity and connection, offering opportunities for everyone to engage with art, music, and local makers. The Wellness Weekend provided a space for reflection and rejuvenation, encouraging visitors to explore the link between well-being and creativity.

These events are more than just dates in our calendar – they are moments that strengthen our ties to the community, celebrate shared experiences, and highlight the galleries as spaces for inspiration, inclusion, and togetherness.

2025 EXHIBITIONS PROGRAMME
Looking ahead, 2025 promises an exciting programme. We are thrilled to host Chantal Joffe, known for her compelling and deeply personal paintings of those close to her, which explore the intimate and universal aspects of human experience. Her works, often monumental in scale yet tender in detail, will be a powerful addition to The Exchange. Meanwhile, at Newlyn Art Gallery, Hew Locke’s Armada installation – a fleet of intricately adorned boats – will evoke themes of migration, history, and memory, fittingly displayed just steps from the sea. Hew describes the presentation of Armada in Newlyn as a “homecoming,” taking him back to his time spent in Cornwall as a student at Falmouth School of Art.

We are also excited about the energy, expertise, and fresh perspectives our new Trustees bring as we continue to navigate the complex realities of the arts sector. My deepest thanks go to our outgoing Trustees, whose guidance and dedication have been invaluable throughout 2024.

STATE OF THE ARTS
This year has brought challenges, as funding pressures increase for all those involved in the arts and creative sectors. At the end of the summer, the State of the Arts report provided insights into how the sector is navigating these challenges and showcased innovative strategies to support artists and engage communities. These findings resonated deeply, reinforcing our belief that collaboration and determination can sustain accessible and meaningful art experiences for everyone.

As we prepare for 2025, we remain focused on delivering inspiring art, fostering community engagement, and ensuring the gallery continues to be a space for creativity and connection.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and patronage have never been more important to us – we couldn’t do it without you. Here’s to a wonderful year of creative possibilities ahead.

James Green
Director, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange