Grayson Perry introduces Transmitter/Receiver: The Persistence of Collage

Exhibition: Transmitter/Receiver: The Persistence of Collage, The Lightbox, Woking, until March 25 2012

Based on French critic Nicolas Bourriaud's assertion that "we are no longer either passive receivers or authoritative cultural transmitters, but potentially both simultaneously," the Arts Council Collection's exploration of collage in British works is making its only appearance in the South-East at The Lightbox.

And with a line-up ranging from Ben Nicholson and Eduardo Paolozzi to Tate favourites Richard Hamilton and Chris Ofili, this show is something of a must-see.

"It is purely put together from the collection and covers a huge range of artists," says Director Marilyn Scott, who persuaded Grayson Perry – one of the big hitters involved – to open the display.

"We have always worked closely with the Arts Council since opening five years ago. This is a really special exhibition for us."

Perry, who has created a typically striking ceramic piece, defined collage as "sifting through the forest of other people's material."

"It is in the realm of great artists such as Picasso," he added. "I see collage as being inspired by culture.

"It has become the default medium – everyone cuts and pastes and mish-mashes other people's material these days, whether digitally, on paper or through ceramics and tapestry such as myself."

• Open Tuesday-Saturday 10.30am-5pm (11am-5pm Sunday). Admission free. Exhibition continues to The New Art Gallery, Walsall (May 4 – July 1); Usher Art Gallery, Lincoln (August – October) and Tullie House, Carlisle (March 16 – May 12 2013)

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