The newly named Biennial has evolved from the South West Open. It had been administered by the Society, in association with the City Art Gallery, for more than two decades and was itself a development from a near unbroken series of annual exhibitions in the city since the Society’s formation in 1944. However, internal renovation of the museum’s public spaces and re-structuring of the exhibition programme in recent times denied the Society the chance of mounting these very popular shows. (It is on record the exhibition of 1946 had 40,000 visitors).

Over the ensuing years the PSA has played host to a number artists of national and international repute, so it is with much pleasure and enthusiasm the exhibition committee has managed to establish a slot in the schedule once again. There are 105 paintings, prints and sculptures to be seen in this show.

"It provides, for the region’s contemporary artists, a fine, large public gallery as a showcase in which to have their work exhibited. It also provides the public with an opportunity to view, free of charge, a stimulating collection of work in a wide variety of styles and techniques. Entries come from as far afield as France and London and range widely across Devon and Cornwall. There is no better opportunity to see, under one roof, the diversity of contemporary art in the South West."

Colin George, Chairman

More images of the exhibition’s installation may be viewed here

Images from the gallery's lunchtime Art Bite programme may be viewed here