theVOV was the product of art-science collective Visualogical's vision to bring the human experience into the digital realm, and Outset UK’s ambition to create a sustainable cultural sector through everyday micro-philanthropy.
Founded on an urgency to support the arts at a critical time, theVOV was a new virtual ecosystem presenting monumental exhibitions for audiences to enjoy live and on demand. For the first time, museums and galleries joined forces on one centralised platform, demonstrating unprecedented solidarity and showing a united front to generate funds for the creative sector, whilst making culture more accessible than ever.
theVOV launched in spring 2021 with 15 of the UK’s leading arts organisations, each reviving historic exhibitions from their archive. It was the first social exhibition experience of its kind, sparking conversation and promoting meaningful connection during times of distance. Visitors could explore behind-the-scenes content and enjoy a programme of unique events to experience the arts like never before, even if venues were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Season One: Revive the Archive, between the 19th April and the 11th July 2021, included the return of Chris Burden’s iconic 14 Magnolia Doubles to South London Gallery after 15 years; a virtual rehanging of Andreas Gursky’s first major UK retrospective at the Hayward Gallery in 2018; Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s open air installation at Yorkshire Sculpture Park 2013; Lisa Brice’s 2018 Art Now exhibition at Tate Britain; a group show of female artists curated by Hikari Yokoyama with Sarabande; and the haunting assemblage of Ibrahim Mahama’s Parliament of Ghost at The Whitworth in 2019.
The exhibitions came to life with a programme of live events and experiences throughout the season, all of which remain available On Demand.
theVOV Season One was proudly sponsored by UBS.
