With support from the British Council, Blackpool and The Fylde College’s University Centre is to host ‘Selection’, an exhibition representing some of Britain’s most celebrated artists alongside emerging talent.

The exhibition features works from influential artists Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, along with Hannah Starkey, Helen Chadwick and Hannah Collins and takes place from 22 March - 14 May.

Fundamental to the study of Art and Design is the opportunity to encounter real work; the College’s fantastic new University Centre development freed up space to develop a gallery with this in mind, and a strong relationship with the British Council has given access to an amazing collection of artwork to exhibit.

The work on display is an array of painting, print and photography. Celebrating the 1997 Sensation show at the Royal Academy in London where contemporary art created a media stir and made a significant impact on the public in general; the era of Cool Britannia when Tracey Emin’s unmade bed and Hirst’s shark found their way onto the front pages of the tabloids. Selection takes a look back and introduces the audience to emerging artists’ work.

2010 witnesses the visit to the gallery as a popular pastime where contemplation, encounter and relaxation can coincide and is not limited to the few. This is to be the first of many exhibitions at Blackpool and The Fylde College’s own Gallery.

Pauline Waterhouse OBE, Principal of Blackpool and The Fylde College said:

“This is a major coup for the University Centre. This unique collection of contemporary art will establish the Gallery as a cultural and educational facility of great importance and I am sure it will be a wonderful attraction for local people and students and a big draw for visitors.”

Current BA Graphic Design student Jayne Walsh, who recently won the Lloyds TSB Art of Nurture student art competition for the North West region, and is to have her work exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London, said:

“The Gallery is a great facility for students. Not only can we display our own work, but to have art from such celebrated artists on show right here is really exciting. Its great that my work, and the work of future Blackpool and The Fylde College students, can be exhibited in a venue that has housed pieces by Hirst and co.”

Selection is at the Gallery, situated at Blackpool and The Fylde College’s University Centre, Palatine Road from Monday 22 March until Friday 14 May (excluding Bank Holidays). Opening times are from 9.30am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday and from 11.00am until 2.00pm on Saturday 27 March only. The exhibition is open to the general public and entrance is free. For more information call 01253 352352.