KARST is an independent, contemporary art space based in South West England with an international reputation for dynamic creative programming. Situated in Plymouth’s Millbay, KARST comprises a public gallery and studio complex.
KARST was founded in 2012 as a result of the 2011 British Art Show 7. Our ambition is for everyone to have the opportunity to engage with, participate in and experience contemporary art. We create space for taking risks, where artists and curators provoke, disrupt and innovate. A test-bed for experimentation across artforms, KARST attracts diverse audiences through exhibitions, screenings, music events, and performances.
During our first ten years we have delivered over 120 exhibitions, projects and events, worked with over 400 artists and curators. In 2022 KARST was one of the host venues for British Art Show 9 in Plymouth..
KARST is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation with charitable status. KARST is supported by Arts Council England and Plymouth City Council. Registered Charity no. 1157242, registered in England and Wales no. 08653315.
Inclusivity
KARST will take an active lead to address structural and hidden racism and the inequalities underpinning society wherever we find them.
Read more about KARST’s inclusivity policy.
Opening times
Gallery open: Wed-Sat 11 am–5 pm (During exhibition times only or by appointment)
Closed: Sun–Tues
Admission is free
Office open: Tues–Fri 10 am–5 pm (by appointment)
Contact
KARST, 22 George Place, Millbay, Plymouth, PL1 3NY
+44(0)1752 222676
ku.gro.tsrak@ofni
Volunteering
As part of our commitment to widening participation in the arts, we have the support of a dedicated and enthusiastic bank of volunteers. For more information on volunteering please contact us.
People
Staff:
Executive Director: Donna Howard
Head of Programme: Ben Borthwick
Operations Manager: Oliver Sutherland
Marketing & Communications Manager: Tilly Craig
Marketing & Communications Officer: Rachel Sved
Administrator: Molly Budd
Technical Coordinator: Paul Ager
Trustees:
Nick Buckland (Chair), Mark Cotton, Azza Gasim, Wes Gilpin, Christy Johnson, Merrydith Russell, Richard Sobey.
Getting Here
KARST is in the heart of Millbay, a short walk from Plymouth city centre and within easy walking distance from public parking and public transport links.
By car
If you are travelling via car, there is free street parking for up to three hours outside KARST.
Martin Street, Brunel Way and Pavilions car parks are all a five-minute walk from the gallery. We have limited onsite parking at KARST for Blue Badge holders only.
More parking is available around the city centre, for information visit the Plymouth City Council website at plymouth.gov.uk/parking, or plymouth.gov.uk/parkandride.
By public transport
KARST is within walking distance from Plymouth Train Station where direct services depart from London Paddington (taking 3-3.5 hours), Bristol, the Midlands, the North of England, Scotland and Cornwall.
The majority of local buses stop at Royal Parade, a 15-minute walk from KARST.
Plymouth Coach Station is located on Mayflower Street, a 20 minute walk away. National Express services run to London Victoria via Exeter and plenty of other UK destinations.
Accessibility
Gallery
KARST gallery and facilities are wheelchair and buggy accessible. Visitors with guide and assistance dogs are welcome in the gallery.
Digital
We are committed to achieving AA standard under WCAG 2.1 guidelines and our website is built to the highest WCAG standards we can achieve.
Please contact the gallery if you have any accessibility or additional requirements.