V&A Dundee will open the first major exhibition on Michael Clark, the ground-breaking Scottish dancer and choreographer, on 5 March 2022, curated and organised by Barbican, London.
Sophie McKinlay, Director of Programme at V&A DundeeIt is a hugely exciting moment to bring an exhibition about one of Scotland’s most daring and rebellious creative minds home to V&A Dundee
Michael Clark was born in Aberdeen in 1962 and began traditional Scottish dancing at the age of four. In 1975, at the age of 13, he left home to study at the Royal Ballet School in London, before forming his own dance company in 1984 when he was only 22. The exhibition is an immersive experience, celebrating Clark’s rebellious energy and innovative performances, exploring the creative energy and excitement of bringing together art, dance, design, fashion, and music. It delves into the process of Michael Clark’s collaborations with artists, designers, musicians, and performers, giving an extraordinary insight into one of Scotland’s most remarkable creative minds.
Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer runs from 5 March to 4 September 2022. Tickets are on sale now. Buy your ticket here
Leonie Bell, Director V&A Dundee
V&A DundeeLeonie is responsible for leading V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, for developing its vision, programme, and partnerships, and for championing the fundamental role design plays in all our lives and should have in our future.
Born in Dundee, Leonie has a Master of Arts in English Literature and a Postgraduate diploma in History of Design & Decorative Arts from the University of Glasgow and has since then worked in many roles across the Scottish Cultural sector. She was appointed Director of V&A Dundee in 2020.
Leonie started her career as Exhibition Researcher and Producer, for Glasgow 1999: UK City of Architecture & Design. After a few years at The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design & the City she then led Scotland’s cultural response to London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 as Creative Programmer for Scottish Arts Council/Creative Scotland and then became Director of Arts & Engagement for Creative Scotland.
Leonie is also trustee of Edinburgh International Festival, a member of the Theophano Foundation’s Prize Advisory Council and Ambassador for Design Economy 2021. In 2021 the University of Dundee awarded Leonie Bell with an Honorary Professorship for her services to design.
Find out more about V&A Dundee here
