Sir Peter Murray CBE
Sir Peter Murray CBE is a British curator and educationalist best known for founding the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) in 1977 with a modest grant of £1,000 and no staff.
Despite these humble beginnings, Murray's vision transformed the park into the largest open-air sculpture park in Europe. Located in the grounds of Bretton Hall, YSP is the only place in Europe to display Barbara Hepworth’s The Family of Man in its entirety, alongside a remarkable collection and range of installations and projects by artists such as Henry Moore, Roger Hiorns, Damien Hirst, and Andy Goldsworthy.
Over its 45-year history, YSP has worked with over 1,000 artists from more than 40 countries, offering residencies, major exhibitions, and support for artists at critical points in their careers. It is an influential model for other projects concerned with art and landscape committed to providing open access to the arts. The park welcomes around half a million visitors annually and engages with 40,000 people through educational programmes.
Peter continues to be involved with artists and projects internationally and contributes to publications, talks and seminars.
Sir Peter said: "Being nominated as a Game Changer is a fantastic recognition of everything the staff and trustees have achieved at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. When I set out in 1977 to establish the park, we had a grant of £1,000 and no staff, but I was determined to create a place for people to enjoy sculpture in the open air from artists from all around the world."
"There are so many incredible artists whose work we have been able to display, including local Yorkshire artists Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Now, the park welcomes half a million visitors annually and contributes millions to the regional Yorkshire economy.”
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