Grundy Art Gallery launches its summer 2025 programme

This summer, Grundy Art Gallery presents DONKEY WORK and HORSE POWER, two exhibitions that examine how artists past and present have used the donkey and the horse as symbols of labour, leisure, value and wealth.
 
Bringing together works by internationally recognised contemporary artists such as Marina Abramović and Lubaina Himid, art historical works on loan from regional and national institutions, and rarely seen works from The Grundy Art Gallery’s own collection, DONKEY WORK and HORSE POWER will invite our visitors to see our equine companions in a new light.
 
From love, loss and hardship – to the celebration of the lives of working people and their relationship to the land, DONKEY WORK and HORSE POWER present stories that are thought provoking and uplifting in equal measure.
 
Cllr Lynn Williams – Leader of Blackpool Council and Chair of Grundy Art Gallery’s Steering Group said: “With its ambitious and thoughtful programming, The Grundy will once again provide residents and visitors alike with the opportunity to access high quality artworks and engage in inspiring experiences.“
 
The Grundy’s summer season will be accompanied by a programme of free public talks, workshops and tours and a visitor led-activity called PIN THE TALE ON THE DONKEY – which invites visitors to share their own donkey-related stories and experiences.
 
The Full List of Artists Exhibiting in DONKEY WORK are:
Marina Abramović, Richard Ansdell, Alfred Bennett, Andrea Büttner, Sarah Dobai, Richard Eurich, Laura Ford, Frederik Goodall, Lubaina Himid, Paul Nash, Şener Özmen & Erkan Özgen, Annie Whiles.
DONKEY WORK was originated by Tom Ireland (Operations Officer, Grundy Art Gallery) and developed in collaboration with Paulette Brien (Curator, Grundy Art Gallery).

Image Credit: Marina Abramović, Confession, 2010. Performance for video, 60 minutes. © Marina Abramović, courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives