VENICE, ITALY.-A small rural gallery joins the international art set. In a unique, unprecedented and highly-innovative project the rural arts gallery ArtSway is challenging the notion that rural arts organisations only act provincially. ArtSway, the contemporary visual arts gallery based in the New Forest in South East England, is presenting the exhibition New Forest Pavilion during this year’s 51st International Art Exhibition in Venice. The exhibition takes place during the Vernissage (press and private view period) between 8 and 12 June at Palazzo Zenobio, Venice, and will give the nine artists, the gallery and associated sponsors an opportunity to raise their international profile at a time when the attention of more than 20,000 journalists and art professionals will be focused on Venice.

The exhibition will present new media, video and performance works by artists Anna Best, Richard Billingham, boredomresearch, Alistair Gentry, John Gillett, Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva, Simon Hollington & Kypros Kyprianou, Charlie Murphy and Emilia Telese. Their works range from highly compelling video works and projected installations to innovative sculptural landscapes and performances, illustrating the wide range of current artistic concerns and the diversity of artistic practice in the UK.

Over the last five years, all of the artists have been commissioned by ArtSway to make new work. More recently, a number of the artists have been supported by ArtSway through an innovative mentoring programme. New Forest Pavilion extends and develops these projects by bringing their work to an international arena. ArtSway’s innovative and entrepreneurial approach to international working through extending and developing the role of public sector galleries has been applauded by Arts Council England. Producing an exhibition during the Venice Biennale - one of the most important events in the contamporary arts calendar - shows how a small rural arts gallery, like ArtSway, can not only complement the other major British contributions to this year’s Venice Biennale, but also confirms the vibrant nature of British art on an international stage.

Mark Segal, ArtSway Director says, “this project aims to increase opportunities for artists to present work to international curators, gallery and museum directors. Our work in offering legacy support for artists after they have worked with us on a project or exhibition is key to our innovative approach to public gallery practice. The project also aims to increase awareness of opportunities for artists and the quality of visual arts activity in the South East of England.”