Democracy image

The Art of Democracy comes to Quay Arts

Thanks to Georgia for sharing details of this upcoming exhibition at Quay Arts. Ed


The Art of Democracy exhibition explores ideas of democracy through material culture, popular culture and participatory arts.

Works in The West Gallery and Learning Curve Gallery are aimed to celebrate, interrogate and allow visitors to participate in The Art of Democracy. The exhibition coincides with the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta, 750 years since De Montfort parliament, the 2015 UK election, and arrives at a time where we question the art of democratic debate.

We invited a varied group of artists across the Isle of Wight to help us define and challenge ideas around The Art of Democracy in the gallery. They are:

Paul Woods & Maya Malfatti Woods
John Armstrong & Ian Boyd
The New Carnival Company
Daniel Roberts
Nick Martin

Special Opening Event
Join us for the opening of The Art of Democracy on Saturday 1st August at 2pm, where FaT Samba will perform along Newport Harbour as Daniel Roberts sails his ‘Rename TTIP – selling democracy down the river’ boat from Jubilee Stores to Quay Arts.

Light refreshments and special announcements will follow in The West Gallery and special performance by artist Paul Woods.

The QuayHolders’ scheme
As a charity, the majority of our revenue is generated through our shop, café, events and creative courses. Every penny we raise is reinvested in our programmes, exhibitions, events and facilities. Over the past three years, Quay Arts has had to respond to a changing and at times challenging period in its history.

It has seen a dramatic reduction in funding, to the extent that we no longer receive core funding, either from the Local Authority or the Arts Council of England. This has resulted in significant changes to staffing, the way in which we operate, and our future plans and activities.

We are now seeking support from individuals to help us sustain and develop our vibrant programme of activities through the QuayHolder scheme.

Become a Quayholder
The new QuayHolder scheme has three levels of support ranging from Supporter through to Patrons, each providing a set of unique benefits and the opportunity to help shape the future of Quay Arts. From as little as £3 per month you can help Quay Arts sustain its significant arts presence on the Island. For further information, leaflets and application forms are available direct from Quay Arts or online

We’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this exhibition to life – all artists and technicians have volunteered their time and energy in supporting this project.

Image: © Credit: Paradox Paul & MM