London's Whitechapel Gallery has unveiled the first of five planned public displays that are to showcase some of the 13,500 artworks contained within the government's collections.

Government Art Collection: At Work will run until 4 September at the attraction and comprises works selected by seven public, political and diplomatic figures. Contemporary artist Cornelia Parker (16 September-4 December) and Simon Schama, the historian and broadcaster (16 December-26 February) will curate their own displays.

The fourth display - 9 March-5 June 2012 - will see 10 Downing Street staff choose their favourite works, before a Cultural Olympiad event takes place from 21 June-2 September. Culture minister Ed Vaizey said: "The Government Art Collection has a rich and fascinating history and from today visitors to the Whitechapel Gallery can begin to get a taste of its history, diversity and important role in cultural diplomacy.

"It is terrific to be one of the first people to choose works for the exhibition . The collection does a tremendous job promoting British art, which is of great value both culturally and economically." In addition to Vaizey, former minister and British High Commissioner to South Africa Lord Boateng; Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron; deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg are among the figures to help select the works for the initial display.

Former business secretary Lord Mandelson; British Ambassador to Moscow Dame Anne Pringle; and chief of the Secret Intelligence Service Sir John Sawers are also among the seven individuals. Image: LeHaye