The mobile museum initiative, a joint venture between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and arts access charity Art Explora, is set to revolutionize the way art is experienced across the UK. This innovative project aims to bring three national collections to life, traveling to various locations and making art accessible to all. The competition to design this unique facility was won by Ab Rogers Design, a multidisciplinary studio known for its creative approach to architecture and design.
Ab Rogers, the founder and director of the studio, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, envisioning a mobile museum that captures the essence of a circus arriving in town. He aims to create an immersive experience, bursting with energy and anticipation, while showcasing extraordinary curated collections. This ambitious project is close to his heart, as he believes it will bring a new level of vibrancy and liveliness to the art world.
The mobile museum will be a dedicated vehicle, displaying items from the Government Art Collection, which encompasses a diverse range of historic, modern, and contemporary British art. This collection will be showcased annually, providing a dynamic and ever-changing artistic experience. The initiative also involves collaboration with renowned institutions such as Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, Leeds Art Gallery, Birmingham Museums Trust, and National Museums Liverpool, ensuring a rich and diverse artistic program.
The DCMS has funded the project with £800,000, matching Art Explora's contribution, to bring this vision to life. Art Explora has a successful track record in France, where they have been operating a fleet of similar museums for 15 years. A pilot program is currently underway in the South West and North West, featuring pieces from the Government Art Collection that explore the sea's impact on people, places, and communities. This initiative is a testament to the organization's commitment to making art accessible and engaging.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy shared her passion for making art inclusive and available to everyone. She believes that by bringing the collection directly to communities, they are breaking down barriers and ensuring that art is not limited to the privileged few. This project aligns with the DCMS's mission to democratize access to art and cultural experiences.
The mobile museum design competition attracted a strong shortlist, including 6a architects, Sam Jacob Studio, and Map Project Office, connected to Barber Osgerby. The jury, chaired by Jemima Montagu, included esteemed members such as Asif Khan, Ingrid Brochard, Helen Legg, Tim Marlow, Ben Evans, Sally Bacon, and Eliza Gluckman. The selection of Ab Rogers Design as the winner highlights the jury's appreciation for the studio's innovative and captivating approach to museum design.
Ab Rogers' background as a cabinet-maker and sailor, along with his experience as the head of the interior design program at the Royal College of Art, brings a unique perspective to the project. His personal journey and professional expertise contribute to the studio's ability to create immersive and thought-provoking spaces. The mobile museum, with its circus-like atmosphere, promises to be a groundbreaking venture, offering a fresh and exciting way to engage with art across the UK.
