Now is a new programme of contemporary art exhibitions that will take place at Modern One over the coming three years. Now will celebrate the diversity of contemporary artistic practice, and the unique role of artists in society, who, through their work, can offer alternative ways of seeing and understanding the world around us.

This first exhibition in the series launches with a three-room solo presentation by Scottish-based artist Nathan Coley. This will feature Coley's iconic The Lamp of Sacrifice, 286 Places of Worship, Edinburgh 2004, alongside two further sculptural works by the artist: Paul, and the artist's most recent work Tate Modern on Fire, which is being shown in Scotland for the first time.

The exhibition also features immersive room installations by Brazilian artist Rivane Neuenschwander, Glasgow-based artist Tessa Lynch, Pete Horobin and a display pairing paintings by Louise Hopkins and Tony Swain.

We are grateful for the support of Kent and Vicki Logan, Walter Scott and Partners Limited, NGS Foundation, Robert and Nicky Wilson, and other donors who wish to remain anonymous.

On display as part of NOW are the winning entries from the 2017 Tesco Bank Art Competition for Schools. Working in partnership with Tesco Bank, this programme encourages thousands of children all over the country, from nursery to S3, to engage with artworks from the National Galleries of Scotland collection and to be inspired to think imaginatively and creatively.

Now is a dynamic new three-year programme of contemporary art exhibitions. Between March 2017 and March 2020 the entire ground floor of the Gallery’s Modern One building will be given over to NOW – a series of six major exhibitions, showcasing the work of some of the most compelling and influential artists working today.

This extensive programme will shine a light on the extraordinary quality and range of work being made by artists working in Scotland today, from those at the beginning of their career to established talents with an international standing. It will also feature the work of artists from across the globe, placing art created in Scotland in an international context, and demonstrating the crucial exchange between artistic communities around the world. NOW will highlight the diversity of contemporary artistic practice, and the unique role of artists, who, through their work can offer alternative ways of seeing and understanding the world around us.

At the heart of each exhibition in NOW will be a significant presentation devoted to the work of a single artist, around which group displays and room-sized installations by a range of other artists will be selected to explore common themes and ideas. As well as new commissions and loans from private and public collections, NOW offers the chance to see recently acquired additions to the Gallery’s collection for the first time, and will offer fresh perspectives on familiar, much-loved works.