Pavilion and the art of exposure

National news crews have descended on Bexhill this week to interview Brit-art icon Grayson Perry about the exhibition he is curating at the De La Warr Pavilion.

Anything featuring Grayson is bound to get plenty of media exposure, but the PR machine has really gone into overdrive on this one with articles in the national media, TV cameras rolling and critics like Mark Kermode visiting the sunny South coast to have a chat with the artist.

The irony is that all the media attention is focused on an exhibition of works chosen by Grayson which come from a time before British art was fashionable and carried such huge interest.

But the exposure Bexhill is getting as a result of this new show can only be a good thing.

A few may raise their eyebrows and call it an elitist exhibition provided for the 'London crowds', but the art in this case is extremely accessible. Besides, those London people will no doubt be spending London money in our shops this weekend.

A nice twist, though, is that the pavilion should be gaining national recognition for a big name just days after a successful community event.

The mayor's ball proved that old fashioned entertainment can draw just as many people.

Bexhillians enjoyed dancing, live music and demonstrations.

Town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon called for more events like it.

Those who went probably enjoyed themselves just as much as the people who are attending this weekend's gallery opening will.

And that's the trick with the pavilion - balance.

It has long been recognised the building has the ability to bring people together, but also to divide them.

One of the criticisms of the Rother working party was that the pavilion could do more to cater for community groups.

It has copped a fair amount of flak, too, for a lack of big names - something which looks to have been remedied this season.

This week has shown what the pavilion trust can do by putting on a balanced programme for everyone; a successful community gathering for Bexhillians, a big name and something for those who enjoy a bit of culture.

The cynical among us might suggest the question of Rother funding focussed some minds.

But most of the population only care the building, with money from their pockets, is delivering.

Let us hope the trend continues.