British Art Show, the largest and most significant recurring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK, will open its tenth edition in Coventry in September 2026 before heading to four other cities across the UK in its most extensive presentation to date.

The major presentation in Coventry will be held across Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Coventry University before touring to multiple venues in Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle Gateshead.

Developed and produced by Hayward Gallery Touring, which is part of the Southbank Centre, British Art Show has been showcasing the best in contemporary British art since 1979. Held every five years, it has introduced millions to artists who go on to shape the national and international art scene. Past editions have featured David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Anish Kapoor, and Sonia Boyce.

This year’s curator, Ekow Eshun, is one of the UK’s most influential cultural figures. His past exhibitions  include In the Black Fantastic at Hayward Gallery and The Time is Always Now at the National Portrait Gallery. For British Art Show 10, he will bring together artists whose work speaks to the social, political and cultural issues shaping Britain today.

Warwick Arts Centre’s involvement continues its strong track record of bringing major national exhibitions to Coventry and ensuring that contemporary art remains accessible and relevant to local communities.

Further details about the artists and exhibition themes will be announced in 2026. For more information on British Art Show 10 and all of its participating venues, please click here.