This exhibition is the result of a partnership project, devised by Arts and Minds and the Education Department at the Fitzwilliam Museum, which took place between March and May 2008.
The aim of New Art From Old was to bring a group of artists together to participate in discussion based workshops held at the Museum. These artists then developed their own art practice in a way that connected with the Museum's collection.
The content of the discussion workshops was planned collaboratively. Participants talked to Museum staff about which parts of the collection were of interest to them. Museum staff then devised a series of workshops responding to these varied interests. Each week a different theme was explored including the Ancient World, Old Masters, Modernity, and Colour, Form and Technique.
The results of these workshops are on display here. Artists were encouraged to react to the themes in whatever way they wished. Some have connected with formal aspects of the works that inspired them whereas others have created incredibly personal responses to their chosen artwork.
Where possible a mention has been made of specific art works from the Museum's collection and where they are on *display.
*Please note that the locations referenced are correct as of 1st December 2008. If you are visiting the Museum to see a specific object please contact us to check that it is on display on the day you plan to visit