Throughout the summer of 2026, the Art Explora Mobile Museum is touring ‘Shaped by the Sea’, an exhibition from the Government Art Collection, across the Southwest and Northwest of England. Artworks from the national collection will be presented in the heart of communities, with the Mobile Museum stopping in locations stretching from Plymouth to Preston.

What, as humans, is our relationship to the sea? Over the centuries, many artists have explored this question through different subject matter, themes and media. The sea, while fascinating us, remains mysterious and elusive, sometimes tranquil and inviting, at other times, tumultuous and unpredictable.

“Shaped by the Sea 2026 ” was curated by Dr Laura Popoviciu, Government Art Collection.

Artists:

Roger Ackling, Simon Bayliss, Samuel and Nathaniel Buck, Chila Kumari Singh Burman, Mohini Chandra, EVEWRIGHT, Anya Gallaccio, Lubaina Himid, Tess Jaray, Thomas Luny, Will Maclean, Zethu Maseko, Paul Nash, William Pye, Bridget Riley, Ro Robertson, Zineb Sedira, Emma Stibbon and Joseph Mallord William Turner.

Information about accessibility is available on our Access page.