The displays will form part of the Aesthetica Art Prize’s 20th anniversary and take place across Skipton Town Hall, the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate, Scarborough Art Gallery, and Scarborough’s Woodend Gallery.
The Aesthetica Art Prize has been a launchpad for emerging and established talent, propelling artists onto the global stage and serving as an important indicator of what is happening in contemporary art today.
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, said: “Hosting the Aesthetica Art Prize across our venues is a major moment for North Yorkshire, weaving a world-class contemporary art trail from the gateway of Skipton through the heart of Harrogate to the coast of Scarborough.
“By working with venues across the county, we’re opening our cultural spaces to the widest possible audience and ensuring that world-class art is accessible to everyone.
“It reflects our ongoing work to support the creative sector and strengthen cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
Skipton Town Hall will host Part I: Future(s) from April 25 to September 27.
The Mercer Art Gallery will present Part II: Perception from May 2 to September 6.
Scarborough Art Gallery and Woodend Gallery will host Parts III and IV, titled Intervention and Transformation, from May 16 to September 19.
Entry is free at all venues except Scarborough Art Gallery, where there is a £5 annual pass fee that also covers entry to the Rotunda Museum.
Entry remains free for under-18s and registered carers.
Environmental artist Steve Messam is among the exhibiting artists, with his work on display at the Mercer Art Gallery.
Known for his large-scale sculptural installations, Mr Messam’s pieces have featured globally, including at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Mr Messam said: “It’s an honour to have been invited to show at the Mercer Art Gallery as part of the 20th anniversary exhibitions alongside some truly inspirational artists.
“I don’t get to show my work in galleries very often, and it’s been a challenge to physically fit my work indoors, so I’m excited to see how that works.”
He also welcomed the decision to spread the exhibitions across North Yorkshire.
Mr Messam said: “North Yorkshire is fortunate to have a range of spaces where people can experience quality visual art.
“As an artist who mostly works outside of traditional gallery spaces, I believe passionately in bringing art to people rather than expecting people to come and see art.
“The easier you make it for people to see, the more relevant it becomes to everyone.”
Aesthetica Art Prize director and curator Cherie Federico said the expanded exhibition would offer visitors new ways to engage with contemporary art.
Ms Federico said: “Bringing together 50 artists, the exhibition reflects what the Art Prize has always championed: art with purpose.
“These works go beyond aesthetics; they engage directly with the most pressing questions of our time.
“At its core, the Aesthetica Art Prize is about creating meaningful connections – between artists and audiences, and between local contexts and global perspectives.
“This collaboration allows us to open up those dialogues in new ways, inviting audiences to engage critically, reflect deeply and imagine alternative futures.”
Another exhibiting artist, Liz West, will show work at Scarborough Art Gallery.
Ms West said: “I am delighted to be exhibiting my work in North Yorkshire again, after a successful solo exhibition at Harrogate’s Mercer Art Gallery and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park last year.
“I will be showing the original artwork that I exhibited a decade ago as part of the Art Prize, Shifting Luminosity.
“It is a great joy to have this work on display at Scarborough Art Gallery, which will create an immersive and spatial light ‘painting,’ saturating the white walls with an array of multi-colours.”
Further information about the venues and the exhibition can be found at the North Yorkshire Council website.