Enjoy Art After Hours

8th April 2010

New Artes Mundi late night openings at National Museum Cardiff.

Artes Mundi 4 - the international contemporary art exhibition and Prize which opened at National Museum Cardiff on 11 March 2010 has already attracted over 7,000 people. Now, a new free late night offering will give even more people an opportunity to visit.

From 5 – 9pm every Thursday in April the Museum’s doors will be open for those who want to switch off after a day’s work and enjoy art by the eight shortlisted artists from across the world, or those eager to spend more time in the exhibition to make up their own minds about who should win the UK’s largest contemporary art prize.

"The experience of travelling the world after work is something new Artes Mundi is offering in these late night openings,” said Tessa Jackson, Chief Executive & Artistic Director Artes Mundi. “Really striking art and an opportunity to socialise informally with friends offers an unusual evening without breaking into your weekend."

Rachel Jones, Director of Arts & Business Cymru – the principal supporter of the evening events agrees. She said:

"Arts & Business Cymru is delighted to support the Late Night openings. Ensuring that the amazing Artes Mundi exhibition is enjoyed by as many people as possible is of vital importance. Having the opportunity to enjoy this world class art after a hard day in the office is a perfect end to any working day! "

Visitors will be able to join a live guide tour of the exhibition at 7pm. There will also be a chance to browse the Museum’s shop, taste coffee at Starbucks’ aroma lab and enjoy a drink in the cafe bar in the Museum’s main hall while listening to live music.

To complement the contemporary art, Welsh music promoters SWN will curate free music shows by current musicians as part of the five special events. These will include a live performance from dubstep artist Bass Clef – probably the first time ever for dubstep to be played in a Museum! The music is kindly supported by Music Box Rehearsal Rooms and Studios, Cardiff.

Artes Mundi 4 will be on show at National Museum Cardiff until 6 June. The £40,000 prize will be awarded on 19 May.

The principal sponsors of Artes Mundi 4 are Bank of America Merrill Lynch and St David’s Dewi Sant. The Live Guides are funded through the Colwinston Charitable Trust.

Entry to National Museum Cardiff and Amgueddfa Cymru’s other six Museums is free thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government.

For further information about Artes Mundi 4 click here.