NEWS: BALTIC 20th Birthday Weekend

Image by Colin Davison

Did you know that Gateshead’s landmark contemporary art gallery has secret floors and hidden artworks? Or that its collection features human bones and a man made out of fruit? Since opening in July 2002, BALTIC have welcomed over 707 artists in 245 exhibitions from 71 different nationalities or countries of origin. These are just a few interesting titbits on offer at 20.baltic.art, a continually evolving microsite which is part of BALTIC’s 20^th anniversary celebrations, culminating in a weekend of special events on Saturday 16^th and Sunday 17^th July.

The UK’s largest dedicated contemporary art institution is a destination in its own right, thanks to its stunning views along the river Tyne, resident kittiwake population (and they’ve got bees on their roof, fact fans!), world-class restaurant and excellent shop, let alone the wondrous art housed within its walls. The weekend will give attendees a chance to dive into current exhibitions by Mounira al Solh, Caroline Caycedo and Albert Potrony; go shopping for local art in the Art Car Boot Sale; interact with local makers; join a ‘zine making workshop themed around food; learn what collaborative residents Undutiful Spirit discovered in their findings through the BALTIC Archive; have fun with games, toys, books and creative activities for youngsters; eat pancakes and check out mobile exhibition What’s For Tea?; and watch films uncovering BALTIC’s 20 year history.

Contemporary art provokes discussion and opinion, often challenging traditional thought processes and looking outside mainstream society to encourage discourse. No matter what you’ve seen over the last 20 years – or will see in the next 20 – the work at BALTIC often strives to be unusual, sometimes radical and always thought-provoking. Take some time to celebrate with them, you never know what you might discover…

BALTIC’s 20^th birthday weekend takes place on Saturday 16^th and Sunday 17^th July.