Following  its highly successful first edition in 2022, Big Art Show is set to return for its second year to the Art Department at the Paisley Centre, Causeyside Street. The show is again organised by Outspoken Arts Scotland in conjunction with Art Paisley Ltd.

Presenting the show is a huge undertaking – even bigger than last year, with almost 600 artists and around 1700 works selected (75% of the works submitted) in various media: drawing, painting, ceramics, art glass, textile, sculpture, film and video.

In a new development this year, an additional installation space, RE:MARKS, has been created on Paisley’s High Street, by re-purposing the former Marks and Spencer store (see below*). Made possible through the support of Beyond Retail, this will be the location for the show’s film and video submissions, and it is hoped that the work featured will create a conversation about the cultural regeneration of the town.

Fourteen donors from a wide range of Paisley, Renfrewshire and West of Scotland organisations and businesses have donated prizes to be awarded to participating artists. Headline sponsor of this year’s show is Paisley First’s Love Local, Love Paisley brand.

Big Art Show is an open and inclusive show, and works by amateur and professional artists are shown side by side. A number of selected artists will have their works showcased in the Causeyside Street and mall-facing windows of the Art Department: Marion Gardyne, Wendy Ferguson, Lucy Dorrian and Sara Robinson, and Sandor Nagy. Almost all works will be for sale, and the percentage that Big Art Show retains from sales will be re-invested in future arts projects for public benefit.

Interest is such among artists, their family and friends that 750 guests are expected at the launch night celebration for what will be a bumper show.

Comprehensive information about the show is now live on the Outspoken Arts website (see left).