16 Jan - 07 Mar 2010

What is British art?

What does 'British' mean to me?

Who owns all the paintings in our local galleries?

If I make art, am I a British artist?

The Great British Art Debate asks all these questions and more. It's not about giving you all the answers but asking you to share your opinions on British art and what it means to you.

Karaoke will be coming to the Laing Art Gallery with the start of a new exhibition called Rebel Nation.

As part of the Great British Art Debate, the Laing will be showing paintings by artist Luke Caulfield of teenagers dressed in death metal t-shirts. Alongside the paintings will be record covers and a karaoke booth, all showing how music and art has been influenced by the work of 19th century painter John Martin.

The Laing Art Gallery karaoke booth will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3 - 5pm, between 16 January and 7 March 2010.

The Great British Art Debate is a partnership project between TATE Britain, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service, Museums Sheffield and InIVA. The Great British Art Debate is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and by Renaissance - museums for changing lives.

Download the Great British Art Debate leaflet here to see what else is coming up at the Laing. (3.16MB pdf)

Things to do for families

A trail for families to do together (also available in the gallery) - click here to download the trail (pdf, 758kb).