Arts & Cultural Programme

Co-creating inspirational experiences that celebrate creativity, spark positive change and drive societal, economic, and environmental growth
Woman (Mary Costello) looking at at painting in The Levinksy Gallery. Black B superimposed over the image. Hero image concept for The Bridge Arts & Cultural Programme.
Introducing our new look
We are excited to unveil our new website, with more updates coming to our events pages soon. We hope you enjoy the new look!
Please rest assured that all event registrations with The Arts Institute remain unchanged. We look forward to welcoming you to this seasons remaining events as planned. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us.
The University’s arts and cultural programme brings together diverse voices and ideas to create unforgettable experiences. Rooted in Plymouth's rich maritime heritage and the vibrant spirit of the South West, we offer a year-round calendar of events that inspire, challenge, and delight. 
Here's what you can explore with us: 
  • Cutting-edge exhibitions at The Levinsky Gallery
  • Thought-provoking theatre and dance performances at The House 
  • Classic and contemporary films at the Jill Craigie cinema 
  • Captivating concerts and musical performances in Levinsky Hall
  • Engaging talks that open up new worlds of art, literature, and history 
We collaborate with local and international artists, researchers, and community partners to bring you fresh perspectives and innovative works. Our programme is designed to spark curiosity, encourage dialogue, and celebrate the power of human creativity. 
Whether you're a long-time art lover or new to cultural experiences, there's something here for you. Join us in exploring how art and culture can shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. 
Come and be part of the conversation – everyone is welcome! 

Looking back at our summer 2024 season

Spring/summer 2024 saw a celebration of creativity designed to inspire, challenge and entertain. Highlights included University of Plymouth academics work and creative collaborations in Resonating Bodies, Green Makers | Materials | Objects and SOAK Live Art. We played host to the stunning Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize in The Levinsky Gallery and in The House to Rendez-Vous Dance with The Monocle and Richard Chappell Dance with Hot House, and the acclaimed Musica Viva concert series marked the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue with the formation of The London Gershwin Players for an unmissable upbeat celebration in Levinsky Hall. 
Visit our what's on page to see what’s still to come.
Collage of people in 1930s outfits for performance The Monocle

Heritage and the Contemporary

Our autumn season launches in September with a focus on heritage and the contemporary, to coincide with a celebration of twenty years of our arts and cultural programme and a reimagining of our offer for the future. The Levinsky Gallery opens with New Contemporaries, as one of three venues across the city hosting the national touring exhibition. Dedicated to showcasing emergent visual arts practice, 2024 marks 75 years of New Contemporaries. Musica Viva showcases music of home, spanning the 80th anniversary of Bartok through to contemporary folk from Seth Lakeman, and we welcome arts and heritage organisations from the region to a symposium in collaboration with The Box.
Seth Lakeman playing the violin
Two students looking at an exhibition in The Levinsky Gallery (square)
Exhibitions
Audience watching film in Jill Craigie Cinema (square)
Film
Takács Quartet with instruments in a field (The Bridge Music)
Music
Woman in traditional Asian dress dancing on stage (square)
Performance
Woman talking at dance meets diversity event (square)
Talks

Get involved

Our Arts & Cultural Programme is a vibrant platform for creativity, learning, and community engagement. We offer multiple ways to participate and grow: 
  • Attend: Experience our diverse events and activities for all ages, including school outreach and family workshops. 
  • Develop: Gain valuable experience through internships in arts administration, curation, and event organisation. 
  • Collaborate: We welcome partnerships with artists, researchers, and community groups to create impactful projects. 
  • Volunteer: Join our team, gain new skills, and help shape cultural experiences for others. 
  • Student opportunities: University of Plymouth students can enhance their employability through placements and our ambassador programme. 
Interested in participating or collaborating? We'd love to hear from you. 
Students getting involved with The Bridge - two students sat at a desk reading paperwork
 

Contact the Arts & Cultural Programme team

The Bridge, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA

The Levinsky Gallery, Monday–Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday 12:00–17:00, Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

Andy Cluer and Mary Costello talking in the Levinsky Gallery
The University of Plymouth’s arts and cultural programme is produced and delivered by The Bridge team. 

The Bridge 

Connecting people, ideas and opportunities  
Providing integrated support for Research, Experiential Education, Knowledge Exchange and Civic and Cultural engagement in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. 
The Bridge is a dynamic force for positive change, advancing knowledge and understanding through collaboration, creativity, and innovation. We create inclusive spaces where everyone can engage with art, culture, and cutting-edge research, inspiring people to learn, connect, and shape a brighter future. 
 
The Bridge concept – a teal, pink and orange abstract image with a B superimposed over the top in black