Banksy's Cut & Run Exhibition Generates Huge Excitement and Demand in Glasgow
Key Highlights :
The world-renowned artist Banksy has chosen Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) to stage their first solo exhibition in 14 years. Titled 'CUT & RUN', the exhibition has already generated huge excitement and demand, with the first release of tickets for the opening two weeks selling out in a matter of days. Large queues have also been forming outside GoMA as locals and tourists alike try to get their hands on the limited amount of on-the-day ‘walk-up’ tickets available for the show.
The exhibition reveals for the first time the stencils used to create many of the artist’s most iconic works. It is expected to attract thousands of Banksy fans from all corners of the globe, providing a welcome shot in the arm to the city’s hotel and hospitality sector. Trainline, the international digital rail and coach technology platform, has confirmed that the number of passengers travelling to Glasgow train stations rose 14 per cent in the first week of the exhibition compared to the previous week.
Local tour operator Walking Tours in Glasgow are “positive” that the exhibition will encourage more interest in Glasgow’s street art scene, and, as a result, their street art tours. The tours, which run daily over the summer, take in some of the highlights of Glasgow’s world-renowned City Centre Mural Trail, as well as other local graffiti spots. Jenny Benson, co-founder of Walking Tours in Glasgow, told The Herald: “We're very excited about the impact this will have on the city and are so happy Banksy chose Glasgow for this. I do believe this will have a positive economic impact on our business, and also a positive social impact on the city more generally.”
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce also hailed the economic boost to the city Banksy’s new exhibition will bring over the summer period. Richard Muir, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, depute chief executive, told The Herald: “Banksy’s exhibition is an incredible boost for Glasgow and it’s a testament to the city’s relationship with art that it’s been chosen to host the biggest name in the business right now.”
The exhibition has already bolstered city coffers, alongside handing Glasgow some vital cultural capital. It is a testament to the city’s relationship with art that it has been chosen to host the biggest name in the business right now. Banksy’s ‘CUT & RUN’ exhibition is a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and locals alike to experience the work of one of the most influential artists of our time. It is also a great opportunity for Glasgow to showcase its vibrant art scene and to attract more visitors to the city.