Dunedin’s reputation as a centre of artistic excellence will soon receive international recognition with an exhibition at the prestigious Yu gallery in Shanghai.

‘Anything Could Happen’ is a collection of art and fashion that has been inspired by Dunedin.

Artists and designers with links to the city were asked to submit works and now the successful applicants have been chosen.

Forty-five works from 32 artists arrived at Otago Polytechnic this week and were mapped out in the Dunedin School of Art.  The works were then photographed for the catalogue and repackaged.  At the end of the month, they'll be freighted to Shanghai for the exhibition. 

Antony Deaker, Dunedin City Council Ara Toi project coordinator, says the selection panel had a tough job.

“We had to choose from nearly 200 art pieces for this exhibition and all were of an incredibly high standard.”

Margo Barton, Otago Polytechnic’s fashion academic leader, says this is a wonderful opportunity.

“Otago Polytechnic is delighted to be collaborating with Enterprise Dunedin and Dunedin City Council on this project.  The exhibition gives designers a rare chance to promote their work to an international audience at one of Shanghai’s leading tourist spots.”

The Yu Gallery is at the Yu Yuan Gardens which are more than 400 years old.  Six million people visit them every year.

Mr Deaker says the exhibition is an incredible connection for Dunedin-related artists with their sister city in China.  He says the project is a real export opportunity that promotes Dunedin and its quality of creativity and education.

“We hope to introduce our exhibitors to Shanghai artists, designers and event organisers for possible future collaborations.  We’ll also introduce them to dealers and agents which will hopefully support sales”.

‘Anything Could Happen’ runs from May 7 to June 9 and has exclusive use of the gallery.