Celebrating contemporary art

Since its inception in 2001, the Contemporary Visual Arts Programme at Mount Stuart has received national and international acclaim. The Stuart family are fervent patrons of the art world and this programme continues a valued tradition of commissioning new artwork and design.

The Visual Arts Programme aims to promote public interest in contemporary visual arts by showcasing talent and bringing exhibitions of an international standard to Bute and Argyll. Directed by Sophie Crichton Stuart, it has attracted many exceptional artists, including 2007 Turner Prize nominee Nathan Coley.

We are delighted that the programme is proving so successful in opening up new perspectives, dialogues and audiences. It celebrates the innovative ways in which contemporary art interprets historical, cultural and environmental contexts and cements Mount Stuart's long association with creativity and progressive thought.

Current exhibition 2011

Modernism has two faces …
works by contemporary artists Eva Berendes, Simon Bill, Enrico David, Karin Ruggaber and Sarah Staton

Artist Talk: Dr Dominic Paterson in conversation with the artists and curators
26 June, 2pm (booking advisable)
Exhibition: 26 June – 31 October 2011

Visitor Centre & gardens open 10am – 6pm daily
House 11am-5pm (last tour 4pm. On occasional Saturdays, last entry to the house is at 1.30pm to allow for special events)

The story of the Visual Arts Programme

Previously Commissioned Artists:

Lee Mingwei (2010)
Katja Strunz (2009)
Mark Neville (2008)
Moyna Flannigan (2007)
Sarah Staton (2007)
Nathan Coley (2006)
Anya Gallaccio (2005)
Mischa Haller (2005)
Langlands & Bell (2004)
Christine Borland (2003)
Victoria Clare Bernie (2003)
Katy Lynton (2003)
Thomas Joshua Cooper (2002)
Kate Whiteford (2001)

Mount Stuart, Britain’s most astounding Victorian gothic house

Untitled, Eva Berendes, 2011
Photography: Ruth Clark

Old Thoughts, Sarah Staton, 2011
Photography: Ruth Clark