The Triumph of Art

The Triumph of Art by artist Jeremy Deller is a nationwide performance that rounds off the National Gallery's Bicentenary celebrations. It marks how festivals are part and parcel of art, culture and civic life, and that art and artists can be catalysts of collaboration and joy.

The role art plays in our public collections, cultural spaces and museums is the new work’s main theme. Deller has drawn inspiration from the Renaissance painter Titian’s wild processions of the Roman gods, as in his famous Bacchus and Ariadne (1520‒23), as well as folklore, dances, plays, rave culture and popular arts.

The Box is one of four UK-wide partners for The Triumph of Art along with Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee, Mostyn in Llandudno and The Playhouse in Derry/Londonderry.

Over the next few months we'll be working with Jeremy Deller and the National Gallery to research, develop and stage a programme of activities. There will be lots of ways to participate and learn more about Deller’s practice and the project so keep your eyes peeled for updates about events and other opportunities to get involved.

Our project here in Plymouth will culminate with a large-scale public event on Saturday 5 July 2025. The Triumph of Art will then finish with all four regional projects joining forces for a major performance in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 26 July 2025.

Jeremy Deller (b. 1966, London) studied History of Art at the Courtauld Institute and at Sussex University. He began making artworks in the early 1990s, often showing them outside conventional galleries. With projects including The Battle of Orgreave (2001) and We’re here because we’re here (2016), he is known for works that involve people and explore the themes of performance art and popular culture.

Find out more

• Listen to Jeremy Deller discuss his career and creative influences on BBC Sounds' 'This Cultural Life'
• Read our press announcement about The Triumph of Art
• Find out more about our Assistant Curator for The Triumph of Art