Back to Blogs
Discover
Moments Brings Economic Boost to Town Recovery
An exhibition of modern art which led to Banksy artwork popping up across East Anglia, could have brought in as much as £350,000 to the local economy.
More than 20,000 Attend Exhibition
More than 20,0000 people attended The Moments exhibition at Moyse’s Hall Museum while a further 900 school students visited as part of tours organised by West Suffolk Council’s heritage team.
Moments, which included original works by international artists such as Banksy, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Rachel List, Pure Evil and My Dog Sighs attracted visitors from as far and wide as Cardiff, Edinburgh, Cornwall, Cumbria, and the Isle of Wight.
The legacy of the exhibition doesn’t end here
International art dealer John Brandler of Essex based Brandler Galleries, the gallery that supplied the majority of the exhibition artwork said, “It has been an absolute pleasure working with the West Suffolk Council to create, package and market this truly unique exhibition. I am delighted the exhibition has attracted people to Bury St Edmunds from far and wide and the feedback from exhibition visitors has been delightful. To attract over 20,000 visitors to the exhibition is a monumental achievement, particularly when you take into account the marketing campaign for the exhibition had to begin during lockdown without knowing if and when the exhibition would go ahead. Indeed, we need to remember when the exhibition opened in May it was during social distancing, with just thirty visitors per hour permitted.”
The legacy of the exhibition doesn’t end here. West Suffolk Council is currently working with City Culture Peterborough to present the exhibition in Peterborough, with the potential for it to then tour throughout the UK in 2022 onwards.
Huge excitement with Banksy artwork
Cllr Jo Rayner, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at West Suffolk Council said: “It has been fantastic for West Suffolk to be the first in the country to create and host the Moments Exhibition and the ticket sales show that it has brought in people from far and wide to see the spectacular art on display. It has put money into the local economy and caused huge excitement with Banksy artwork – and some imitations – popping up all across East Anglia. It has been great to welcome the brilliant Rachel List to the exhibition – her artwork captured the thoughts of a nation in its thanks to the wonderful work of the NHS doctors and nurses, helping people through the COVID pandemic. We are delighted with the success of the exhibition and wish it all the best as it begins what could become its UK tour.”
Bury St Edmunds and Beyond which works to promote year-round tourism of the local area, said Moments had contributed to what had been a strong summer with people returning to enjoy spending time and money in the area.
Sue Warren, Brand and Marketing Manager, said: “Speaking to our accommodation providers, both in and around the town, there is no doubt that the Moments exhibition at Moyse’s Hall Museum contributed to the bumper summer season we have had here in Bury St Edmunds. This was a high quality and unique exhibition outside of London which featured world renowned artists and, despite the challenges of this year, attracted people from outside the area to visit Bury St Edmunds. Events of this nature often attract repeat visitors when they see all what the town has to offer first-hand. I congratulate the team on what was a first-class exhibition.”
West Suffolk Council is now working to stage a further exhibition of international artists in 2023.
Related Blogs
News
Bury St Edmunds Celebrates…
Bury St Edmunds MP, Jo Churchill, met representatives…
News
Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides…
Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides have been shortlisted in…
News
Paying tribute to Maria…
This week we heard the very sad news about the passing…
News
Cathedrals at Night Twilight…
St Edmundsbury Cathedral will host Cathedrals at…
News
Town’s Dog Friendly Scheme…
A scheme which enables residents and visitors to…
Latest news
News
Bury St Edmunds Celebrates English Tourism Week
Bury St Edmunds MP, Jo Churchill, met representatives from the town’s attractions and tour guides involved with the town’s Masters of the Air tourism campaign at Bury St Edmunds Guildhall.
News
Tours Take Off for Masters of The Air
Tours developed by Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides and Bury St Edmunds Guildhall to tie in with the Apple TV Series Masters of The Air so popular more dates are being added.
News
International illustrator David Hughes draws largest exhibition Bury St Edmunds
The largest ever exhibition is now underway at Moyse’s Hall Museum featuring the work of internationally acclaimed illustrator David Hughes.
News
A Taste of Bury St Edmunds and Suffolk
After visiting Suffolk's foodie capital, you'll want to take it with you - here are 5 foodie treats to take home!
News
Doctor Who Stars Coming to Bury St Edmunds to Star in Sherlock Holmes Classic
Who stars Colin Baker, Terry Molloy, and Rosie Baker will star in Hound of The Baskervilles at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal
News
Vote for Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides Now
Vote now to Help Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides win the VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024!
News
Cycle the Wolf Way
Winding its way around many of the best bridleways, byways, gravel tracks, cycle paths and quiet back roads, the Wolf Way takes in some of Suffolk’s most beautiful locations and hidden gems
News
See Rendlesham Revealed at West Stow
1,400-year-old Anglo-Saxon artefacts from National Trust’s Sutton Hoo, are now on display at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village.
News
Dinosaurs are taking over the Cathedral!
Two special guests will be delighting children this half-term at St Edmundsbury Cathedral: a pair of dinosaurs!