Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Year opened to the public: 1977

Founded in 1977 and situated within 500 acres of historic parkland, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP), provides a centre of regional, national and international importance for the creation, exhibition and appreciation of modern and contemporary sculpture. Many inspirational elements combine to create a unique and exceptional balance of art, heritage, nature, learning, space and landscape, attracting over 250,000 visitors each year.

In 2002, YSP opened its landmark Visitor Centre, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects. In 2004 the Underground Gallery was completed, to become one of the largest purpose built galleries in Britain, and a finalist for the 2006 Gulbenkian Prize Museum of the Year.

YSP aims to offer artists from Britain and overseas the opportunity and resources to work in the galleries and historic landscape of YSP; to make art and the landscape accessible to the whole community, and to offer opportunities for people to engage with sculpture in a meaningful way; to protect and enhance the historic landscape of the Bretton Estate as a space in which both artists and visitors can explore and enjoy art and nature; and to make a positive contribution to the artistic, economic, social and overall quality of life of the whole community.

YSP is unique within a national and European context, offering artists and visitors experiences and opportunities unlike anywhere else. ‘Great art for everyone’ has been YSP’s goal since opening to the public in 1977, enabling access, understanding and enjoyment of art and landscape. Rather than the establishment of a permanent collection, YSP curates a programme of temporary open-air exhibitions although some significant works are acquired each year.

YSP presents at least two large-scale exhibitions each year, alongside a consistently changing programme in its open air spaces and smaller galleries. The varied exhibitions programme is achieved by balancing shows by international, mid-career, and younger artists. Support for artists is provided in many ways, including exhibitions, installations, residencies and research projects.

Number of projects exhibited yearly (total): Two large-scale exhibitions, numerous smaller presentations, and 10 Artist commissions.

YSP artists and curators work together to present a varied and dynamic public program. Particular strands of this program include; lectures, seminars, public discussions, tours and walks.

All curatorial work is fortified by an innovative education and outreach programme that results in numerous educational projects that are highly integrated with YSP’s wide-reaching participatory public program.

YSP offers workshops and master classes for families and the whole community. It also offers a specific service for artists, by providing access to important technical help and archive resources.

Learning visits from schools and other educational organisations average at 40,000 participants each year.

YSP has a backlist of more than 60 titles, with new publications designed and edited in house each year to compliment its exhibitions programme. Recent books include David Nash at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Rob Ryan: You Can Still Do A Lot With A Small Brain and, Richard William Wheater: Them and Us.

500 acres of historic parkland, Underground Gallery, Bothy Gallery, Garden Gallery, Longside, Upper Space (in Visitor Centre).

YSP’s management team comprises; Executive Director, Head of Programme, Head of Administration, Head of Operations, Head of Visitor Services, Marketing and Communications Manager, Fundraising Manager, Sculpture and Estates Manager, Finance Manager. In Year 2009/10 YSP’s team was facilitated by working with 160 Permanent staff, 8 Interns, and 55 Freelance artists.

Founding and Executive Director: Peter Murray CBE

Head Curator/Head of Programme: Clare Lilley