Sunderland University relocated gallery set for first exhibition

The first exhibition of an art gallery forced to move to new premises has been announced.

The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) is moving to the Culture House in Sunderland on 12 September, opening with an exhibition on local artist Audrey Amiss.

The University of Sunderland, which runs the gallery, said Kitchen Sink Realism would feature previously unseen paintings and drawings, as well as archival material by the late Sunderland-born artist.

The gallery was previously housed at the National Glass Centre, which shut in July after the university said it could not afford building repairs.

Despite being a prolific artist, it was only after her death in 2013 that Amiss' breadth of work came to light.

She is known for her campaigning against harmful treatment in the mental health system, after a crisis she suffered as a student in the 1950s.

Her exhibition will be on display until 17 January, and the university is offering printmaking workshops on the opening weekend.

Kevin Petrie, professor of creative practice at the university, said the gallery was a "long-standing asset" for students.

"It gives them the chance to work alongside the exhibition curator, and in many cases artists themselves, to learn first-hand about careers and professional practice in the arts," he said.

Culture House will also house a library, podcasting studios and a sky garden when it opens.

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