Urban and rural landscapes complement portraiture to give a comprehensive visual record of the preparation for the World Cup in Exeter. The photographs of signage, organisers, players, spectators and fans reflect the diversity of interest and importance of Rugby in Exeter’s communities. Her photographs differ from the mass of imagery that circulates around Rugby World Cup 2015. She eschews the conventions of sports photography to present a surprising and touching perspective on a highly physical sport. There are images about people playing Rugby, yet the focus of the collection is on the culture, the group dynamics and the ritual that surrounds the sport.
Michelle Sank’s photographs have been exhibited and published nationally and internationally in major galleries and magazines. Winner of the National Portrait Gallery’s 2007 Photographic Portrait Prize, a Unicef award in 2012 and Gold in the 2013 San Francisco International Photographic Exhibition Awards, she has undertaken commissions for prominent organisations including The Photographers' Gallery, London, Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool, Belfast Exposed, Northern Ireland and Rakyo Photo Center, San Francisco. She has three published books to date and is a Senior Lecturer in Photographer at Falmouth University, Cornwall.
Touch-Line is supported by the National Lottery through Grants for the arts and Exeter City Council. Administered by Arts Council England, Grants for the arts support activities which engage people in arts activities and help artists and arts organisations carry out their work.
For more information contact Rob Mackenzie, Marketing Assistant, on 01392 265317 or robert.mackenzie@exeter.gov.uk or Steve Upsher, Media Relations Officer, on 01392 265103.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) is one of Exeter City Council’s flagship services. RAMM is also supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Stunning displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and a changing programme of exhibitions and events means there is likely to be something different to see on every visit. Free entry gives everyone the freedom to visit many times and to stay any length of time.
Awards and standards include Museum of the Year 2012, the Arts Council Designation Scheme, Devon Visitor Attraction of the Year 2012, Collections Trust Best Practice Award 2013, RIBA South West Special Award for Conservation and Building of the Year 2013, the Accreditation Scheme for Museums in the United Kingdom, Inspiring Learning for All, 2012 Silver Tourist Attraction Award in the South West and Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2014.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum &Art Gallery is in Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RX. Phone 01392 265858. Web: www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM Email: ramm@exeter.gov.uk
Free admission. Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays and bank holidays.
