Featured Events in London in September, 2024 (June Updated)

Sip & Paint at Amelie’s with Anna Obert Join us for a delightful afternoon at Amelie’s, a cozy Southern French-style winehouse known for its warm ambiance and exceptional wines. Led by the talented Anna Obert, a seasoned artist passionate about sharing her love for watercolor painting, this Sip & Paint workshop offers the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and socializing. Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, this event promises a memorable and inspiring experience in a beautiful setting. Event Details: Time: 1-3 PM Location: Amelie’s, 37 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7BS Hosted By: Renowned artist Anna Obert Tickets: £40 each (only 12 available) Inclusions: 2 glasses of wine chosen by the sommelierA selection of artisanal cheesesSecure your spot today and treat yourself to an afternoon of art, wine, and good company! Information Source: Amelies Wine House | eventbrite

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated clash between Saracens and Sale Sharks at StoneX Stadium in London. Rugby fans are in for a thrilling match-up on September 28, 2024, as these two powerhouse teams go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy on the field. With a history of intense rivalries and jaw-dropping plays, Saracens v Sale Sharks promises to deliver an action-packed spectacle that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats. Don't miss this epic showdown between two of the top teams in the league as they fight for victory in front of a passionate crowd at one of London's premier sporting venues.

Mark your calendars for the highly-anticipated Arsenal v Leicester City match happening on September 28, 2024, at the iconic Emirates Stadium in London. This clash between two powerhouse football clubs is sure to be a thrilling showdown for fans of the sport. The Emirates Stadium, located at Hornsey Rd, London N7 7AJ, UK, will be buzzing with excitement as these teams battle it out on the field. Football enthusiasts will not want to miss this epic event that promises to deliver top-notch athleticism and intense competition. Get ready to witness some incredible football action unfold at the Arsenal v Leicester City match!

The prestigious OTO GALA event is set to take place in London at the renowned Proud City venue located at 1 Mark Lane, EC3R 7AH. Scheduled from September 29th to September 30th, 2024, this event promises to be a highlight on the calendar for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a lineup of exciting activities, informative sessions, and networking opportunities, OTO GALA in London is not to be missed. Mark your calendars and secure your spot at this exclusive event to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.

Sculpture in the City's Freshers Takeover Performative Tour & Talk with London Metropolitan University MA Public Art & Performative Practice Student: Mrs Blues The Silent Tour Embark on a journalistic journey with moments of pause and questions exploring somatic responses in relation to the artworks in Sculpture in the City's 13th edition. This tour welcomes audiences aged 18+ fostering introspective public art experiences. In partnership with London Metropolitan University, MA student in Public Art and Performative Practices, Maurane Gadeau (Mrs Blues), will be leading a tour inspired by somatic methods aspiring to unfold individuals experiences and dialogues with public art. Participants are invited to multiply silent pauses as they progress along the route, to later share feedback, notes or drawings capturing what they noticed about the tour, through silence. The tour is then followed by an artist talk at Fino at Fazenda with a complimentary cocktail & cheese or meat board. Date & Time: Sunday 29th September 1.30pm – 4.00pm. Booking: Free. The tour is then followed by an artist talk at Fino at Fazenda with a complimentary cocktail & cheese or meat board. Duration: 1hour 45mins Tour and 45 mins conversation & drinks. Start Location: The Leadenhall Building, underneath the escalators. End Location: Fino at Fazenda, 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 1GT. Key Information: · You are solely responsible for your own safety during the event. · Please wear sensible footwear and bring weather appropriate items e.g., umbrella, water bottle etc. · This event is for 18 years and over. · Participants are invited to bring a notepad or other appropriate mediums to take notes or draw highlights from the tour. · In participating in this tour, you agree to being filmed and photographed. Documentation will be used for promotional purposes including but not limited to social media and websites for Sculpture in the City. Freshers Takeover is kindly supported by activation partner EC BID and curated & produced by LACUNA. Should you have any questions or access needs you would like to share with the team, please email alice@lacuna-projects.com Mrs Blues Born as Maurane Gadeau (Côte d’Ivoire), Mrs.Blues is a multidisciplinary artist who develops a jazzistic practice aiming towards emotional freedom. Working across mixed medias installation, performance and music, she will graduate from an MA in Public Art and Performative Practices at London Metropolitan in 2024. Her current research focuses around public art experiences fostering patternology and healing. As part of the newly launched Freshers Takeover for SITC, she is leading two tours inspired by meditative somatic methods and playful theatrical approaches, aspiring to draw the public towards unfolding introspective dialogues. Fino at Fazenda Fusing elements of South American heritage with cosmopolitan interiors, craft and warmth, a visit to Fino creates an experience for the senses in the heart of Bishopsgate, London. Translating to 'refined,' this contemporary ground-floor bar emanates finesse, inviting you to step inside and embark on an immersive drinking experience. Sip & savour at Fino at Fazenda, where our team of cocktail and wine experts awaits to arouse your curiosity and ignite conversations over expertly crafted South American-inspired cocktails. Derived from a twist on old-time classics, these expertly-crafted creations promise to tantalise your taste buds with every sip. Peruse our exquisite selection of wines and Champagnes, carefully curated to complement the sophisticated ambiance and selection of small plates from our Bar Menu. If luxurious libation piques your interest, revel in our premium serves, each one a testament to the finer things in life. Immerse yourself in the sleek and inviting surroundings of this elegant bar, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to create a contemporary oasis of indulgence. Whether you're a discerning local seeking a refined respite or a visitor craving an authentic taste of South-American hospitality, this ground-floor gem, a stones throw away from Liverpool Street, invites you to savour the finer things in life, one sip at a time. @fino.fazenda Information Source: Lacuna | eventbrite

Join us for the Full HYROX Sim (Woolwich) event! Event Details: Date: 29th September Location: 7R - The Training Club Are you ready for Hyrox London? Let’s find out! 7R Woolwich brings you the only full Hyrox simulation in London. All 8 stations and 8 outdoor 1km runs in the exact order and standards of a real Hyrox, to check-mark your progress for your next race. You can expect the experience to feel like you're at an actual HYROX competition with lots of other competitors and spectators on the day to cheer you on. As space is limited, make sure you secure your spot at this event. Debrief with one of our coaches on the day to see where you can improve in your upcoming training. And don’t forget to stay for a well-earned drink with us afterwards, enjoying the atmosphere of the awesome 7R community. Waves will begin at 9:30AM with start times every 12 minutes. You will be alotted start times 1 week in advance. Pairs and Relay slots available. If you know someone you would like to do a paired race with please state this on your ticket. Otherwise, please give an indicator of your expected time or if you have raced before, let us know so we can pair you with someone of a similar level. Information Source: eventbrite

Sisters Sports- Netball Come join us for a fun-filled day of netball with your sisters! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Get ready to show off your shooting skills, teamwork, and competitive spirit on the court. Don't miss this opportunity to bond with your sisters while enjoying a day of friendly competition. Lace up your sneakers, grab your water bottle, and let's have a blast playing netball together! This is a new company aimed at increasing muslim women participation in a variety of sports. Information Source: Khadija | eventbrite

Tom's Run Club | Thames River Run Run: 30-Minute Relaxed Social Run Event Location: The Understudy at The National Theatre Date/Time: Sunday 29th Sep. Meet 11:40, Warm-up 11:55, Run at 12pm Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run along the iconic River Thames with Tom's Run Club. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is perfect for all levels. Meet new friends, take in the stunning riverside views, and challenge yourself to reach new goals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get active and have a great time! We’ll kick things off with a bag drop, meet & greet, and a short warm-up at The Understudy at the National Theatre. After a 30-minute relaxed run along the Thames, we’ll return to The Understudy where everyone will have a chance to chat, make friends, and enjoy 15% off food and drinks! So mark your calendars and get ready to sweat, smile, and have some fun with Tom's Run Club 🎟️ It's completely free to join! Let's get it! Let's goooooooooooooo! Check out our Instagram: Tom's Run Club Information Source: Toms Run Club | eventbrite

Expect disco lights, mega moves and a playlist to match. Disco Fit is the workout that you forget is a workout. It's a singalong party that'll make you sweat and smile. blending disco and jazz rhythms with body conditioning. Your instructor and host is creator of Disco Fit, Sarah Birch. Our guest instructor will be Edem Kojo (AzontoBox) who blends African Dance and Boxfit to an afrobeats soundtrack. A full body workout party, sure to put a smile on your face. This event is being held at Crouch End fitness centre. access to toilets and changing rooms available. there is a water fountain so bring your bottle. be sure to wear your gym-glam gear. This session is suitable for all abities, recomended age restriction is 14+ Merch and goodies available to purchase on the day. complimentary fizz to finish. See you on the dance floor! Hello Disco team x Information Source: Hello Disco | eventbrite

POSK zaprasza dzieci na WARSZTATY FOLKOWE W programie nauka tańców i przyśpiewek ludowych oraz zajęcia plastyczne. Zajęcia taneczne prowadzi zespół Tatry. *Wiek dzieci: od 6 lat* Information Source: Polish Social and Cultural Association POSK | eventbrite

DEMBIS THIOUNG presents PENCHMI African Drum + Dance Portal - NEW MOON AUTUMN Series in collaboration with FOLKLORE CHARITY. The word PENCHMI (in Wolof is written as “Penccmi”) is used to describe the gathering of ancestors, transcending time and space, as well as the gathering of the elders of the traditional Senegalese villages, in the center of the community under a baobab tree. Penchmi is the space to discuss matters of LIFE, FREEDOM, and PEACE. Most importantly, it serves to remind us of the LOVE and RESPECT shared among each other. This autumn. we invite you all to three PENCHMI drum + dance portals in Folklore Hoxton in 186 Hackney Road, London. Come prepared to drum, dance, and joyfully sweat, allowing your spirit to soar high by connecting through ancestral rhythms, songs, and African wisdom channelled by Dembis Thioung. Dembis takes pride in being guided by the highest Senegalese value of TERANGA : welcoming, sharing and supporting each other in happiness always, valuing wealth not for its quantity but for the generosity extended to others. TERANGA represents the essence of Senegalese culture and it can be translated with the word hospitality. Wheel of the Year: AUTUMN - from 7,30pm MONDAY 30th September 2024 MONDAY 4th November 2024 MONDAY 2nd December 2024 Energy exchange Penchmi - in advance £11.11 - tickets via Afromoya & Eventbrite Penchmi - on the day £13.33 - pay at the door (cash or card) ✨DEMBIS THIOUNG✨ Dembis is a mesmerizing master of the dunduns—the melodic and hypnotic bass drums that constitute the heartbeat, melody, and soul of traditional West African ensemble djembe music. A Bayefall at heart and Griot by blood, Dembis was born and raised in Dakar, West Africa he is now based in London, UK. Introduced to traditional and contemporary Senegalese music at a young age, he learned the art of drumming and dance. Recognized as a skilled percussionist specializing in Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Asico drums, Dembis proudly identifies with his Senegalese legacy, carrying forward the teachings of his elders and ancestry. DEMBIS is the Gatekeeper of THE PENCHMI portals and the visionary and initiator of the BENE TALLY BAND project. BENE TALLY is the name of Dembis Thioung's neighborhood in the heart of Dakar, Senegal, literally translated as ONE WAY or one road. BENE TALLY band & friends, a self-funded project initiated in October 2019, is a collective of artists bringing the magical rhythms, heartbeat, and spirit of Africa to the UK. It has performed in venues like Hootenanny, Peckham Levels, The Tabernacle, The Post Bar, Folklore and Kindred Studios Rooted in the dundun drum and West African traditions, the band blends Dembis' Griot and Bayefall heritage, fostering creative collaborations between dedicated and regular P ENCHMI Dundunfolas attendees and master African artists. Every performance is unique and magical. This transformative journey also invites the audience to participate, connecting individuals and communities through rhythms and movement, offering the healing benefits of West African ancestral wisdom. If you have any question you can email us at dembis.thioung@gmail.com Would you like to join Dembis Thioung's open Whatsapp group and receive updates on his workshops, gigs and connect with the community? Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CJkAcvfpWxqAeHW3piBSk9 Information Source: Dembis Thioung | eventbrite

illy x The Cultivist: Art for Thought with Aindrea Emelife Join illycaffèand the world’s only global arts club, The Cultivist for an unforgettable evening. You are invited to join an exclusive Art for Thought coffee cocktail evening, led by renowned curator and art historian, Aindrea Emelife, held on Monday 30th September. The evening will encompass a thought-provoking talk on Women as Vanguard, touching upon modern and contemporary art with a focus on colonial and decolonial histories in Africa and the politics of representation. Throughout the evening, illy will be serving up a selection of delicious coffee cocktails including their signature illy Espresso Martini (also available in decaf), as well as their much-loved non-alcoholic Cold Brew & Lemon Tonic cocktail. Award-winning, Apricity led by illy UK Chef Ambassador Chantelle Nicholson will create a delicious menu of canapès for the evening. illycaffé are the official coffee partner of Frieze, the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art and excitingly, will reveal its much-anticipated 127th illy Art Collection in collaboration with an internationally revered artist, this October at Frieze London. The Cultivist is the world’s only global arts club offering unique access to every aspect of the art world, representing authentic global art and luxury brands. Founded in 2015 by two veteran industry insiders, Marlies Verhoeven and Daisy Peat, who together led the Sotheby’s VIP & loyalty program for over 6 years, now have a network of over 40 consultants around the globe. Information Source: eventbrite

32 St. George at LAMB is pleased to present Magnetic Midnight Maison: A personal anthology of Colombian craft - a yearlong installation of Colombian designer Lucia Echavarria’s debut furniture collection, opening 16 November 2023. Lucia Echavarria’s Magnetic Midnight Maison: A personal anthology of Colombian craft is a collection of over 120 one-of-kind, handmade pieces, which culminates after 3 years of research by the designer into traditional Colombian craft aesthetics and techniques. Echavarria’s 32 St. George at LAMB installation, which is situated in the heart of Mayfair, showcases the work of over 80 artisans across 10 regions in Colombia who specialise in more than 12 distinct crafting styles and methods. Fascinated by the material culture of her home country, Echavarria’s project has evolved from her exploration of artisanal practices. The result is an anthology of Colombian craft, where visitors are invited to move freely within the space to experience the practical utility and visionary design aesthetics of Echavarria’s furniture. Through close collaboration with 32 St. George at LAMB and its founder Lucinda Bellm, Magnetic Midnight Maison will be a yearlong installation at the gallery. The collection will be accompanied by a catalogue designed and published by Mestiza Estudio and photographs by Tinko Czetwertynski, delving into the processes and influences of Colombian craft on Echavarria’s collection debut. Echavarria is the founder and designer of Magnetic Midnight, a lifestyle brand of statement pieces that reflect a unique aesthetic imbued with a love for tradition and craftmanship. Echavarria elaborates on her creative ethos and the motivations behind her brand and its aesthetic: “I have always loved artisanal objects - they are a true material representation of a country’s traditions. I have known and worked with many of the artisans for several years, and it is always an incredible experience working alongside them, learning in more depth about the processes behind the techniques and the materials as well as their own personal stories. Colombia has an immensely rich history and such beautiful crafts, I really wanted to showcase the workmanship and talent that is so intrinsic to the country’s culture. It is such a special legacy that we have, and therefore important to find ways to preserve and celebrate it. Being able to present all these crafts in dialogue with one another at the gallery is amazing, and for me, furniture is a whole new canvas on which to explore the possibilities and show the incredible diversity of artistry that Colombia has”. From chairs, sofas and ottomans, to lamps, tables, screens and backgammon boards, Magnetic Midnight Maison illuminates the artisanal practices and rich heritage of Colombian techniques, including straw marquetry, werregue weaving and Sikuani wood carving. With these techniques paired with Echavarria’s modern practical approaches and intricate design style, the collection forms a truly unique body of work which explores pattern and material, oscillating between tradition and modernity. Techniques used in conventional furniture making, such as wrought iron, carpentry and inlay, are juxtaposed with traditional Colombian crafts. The art of inlay and the 18th century Italian pietra dura marble ‘specimen’ tables are explored through werregue and wood, creating them with varying designs and patterns using woven palm fibres. Similarly, the patchwork present in both the Ghanaian Kente cloth and American quilts emerge in Echavarria’s work as patterns woven from cañaflecha palm.From chairs, sofas and ottomans, to lamps, tables, screens and backgammon boards, Magnetic Midnight Maison illuminates the artisanal practices and rich heritage of Colombian techniques, including straw marquetry, werregue weaving and Sikuani wood carving. With these techniques paired with Echavarria’s modern practical approaches and intricate design style, the collection forms a truly unique body of work which explores pattern and material, oscillating between tradition and modernity. Techniques used in conventional furniture making, such as wrought iron, carpentry and inlay, are juxtaposed with traditional Colombian crafts. The art of inlay and the 18th century Italian pietra dura marble ‘specimen’ tables are explored through werregue and wood, creating them with varying designs and patterns using woven palm fibres. Similarly, the patchwork present in both the Ghanaian Kente cloth and American quilts emerge in Echavarria’s work as patterns woven from cañaflecha palm. Drawing heavily upon on her artisanal collaborators to create her designs, Echavarria’s straw marquetry lamps are a prime example of the deep-rooted research that informs her practice. Imbued with craft traditions from Pasto, one of the oldest cities in Colombia, Echavarria transforms the Colombian straw marquetry technique ‘enchape de tamo’ to incorporate Italian design influences. The ‘Enchape de tamo’ process consists of inlaying individual fibres from the stalk of a wheat plant on wooden surfaces to create decorative patterns. Echavarria’s reverence of the infinite patterns and textures created by the delicate straw strips when assembled, culminates in her deployment of the adeptness of this material to mirror others, like a trompe l’oeil or Italian marbleized paper. The tamo lamps speak to how Magnetic Midnight Maison respectfully plays on tradition and evolution, by upholding and honouring the materials and techniques and combining them in new and surprising ways. Ultimately, the collection finds inspiration in the intrinsic beauty of craft, its manual production processes and the diversity of materials and techniques used to facilitate them. Echavarria’s deep respect and understanding of the history and cultural significance of each craft, and the people and communities that have kept them alive over time, enables her designs to embrace the traditional motifs and patterns of the applied technique whilst staying true to their provenance.

Discover works from Siân Davey’s The Garden in a free outdoor exhibition in the Soho Photography Quarter just outside the Gallery. Starting in 2020, British photographer Siân Davey transformed her abandoned garden over three summers into a vibrant space, filled with wildflowers, birdsong and people. Together with her son, Luke, Davey cultivated a space rooted in love. They researched native flowers and encouraged biodiversity, sourcing seeds and plants locally. When the flowers bloomed, they called in the community. Everyone had a place in The Garden; the mothers and daughters, the lonely, the marginalised, lovers, the traumatised and heartbroken and those that had concealed a lifetime of shame. The space became an expression of yearning, defiance, joy and interconnectedness.

London West End Opera's Tina Turner The Musical is a tribute show to the story and hits of artist Tina Turner, a singer whose touching songs and legends have drawn countless audiences to the theatre. The show takes place at the Aldwych Theatre, which was listed as a Grade II listed building in the UK in 1971. The theatre has three tiers of seating and an estimated capacity of 1,200.

Yoko Ono is a leading figure in conceptual and performance art, experimental film and music. Developing her practice in America, Japan and the UK, she is renowned for her activism, work for world peace, and environmental campaigns. Ideas are central to her art, often expressed in poetic, humorous and radical ways. Spanning more than seven decades, the exhibition focuses on key moments in Ono’s career, including her years in London from 1966 to 1971, where she met John Lennon. The show explores some of Ono’s most talked about artworks and performances, from Cut Piece (1964), where people were invited to cut off her clothing, to her banned Film No.4 (Bottoms) (1966-67) which she created as a ‘petition for peace’. Alongside her early performances, works on paper, objects, and music, audiences will discover a selection of her activist projects such as PEACE is POWER and Wish Tree, where visitors can contribute personal wishes for peace. Through her instructions and event scores, Ono invites visitors to take part in both simple acts of the imagination and active encounters with her works.

Yoko Ono is a leading figure in conceptual and performance art, experimental film and music. Developing her practice in America, Japan and the UK, she is renowned for her activism, work for world peace, and environmental campaigns. Ideas are central to her art, often expressed in poetic, humorous and radical ways. Spanning more than seven decades, the exhibition focuses on key moments in Ono’s career, including her years in London from 1966 to 1971, where she met John Lennon. The show explores some of Ono’s most talked about artworks and performances, from Cut Piece (1964), where people were invited to cut off her clothing, to her banned Film No.4 (Bottoms) (1966-67) which she created as a ‘petition for peace’. Alongside her early performances, works on paper, objects, and music, audiences will discover a selection of her activist projects such as PEACE is POWER and Wish Tree, where visitors can contribute personal wishes for peace. Through her instructions and event scores, Ono invites visitors to take part in both simple acts of the imagination and active encounters with her works.

Life savers, fundraisers, trailblazers: discover the vital roles that women play in saving lives at sea. Women of the RNLI at the National Maritime Museum celebrates the work of women in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Featuring striking photography, personal testimony and breathtaking film, the exhibition offers a window into the lives of volunteers across the UK and Ireland. Visit the National Maritime Museum for free and be inspired by the women of the RNLI.

Tropical Modernism was an architectural style developed in the hot, humid conditions of West Africa in the 1940s. After independence, India and Ghana adopted the style as a symbol of modernity and progressiveness, distinct from colonial culture.

Polly Braden: Leaving Ukraine is an intimate portrait of women, forced to leave their homes following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. In this new series of work we see the extraordinary journeys undertaken by mothers, daughters, teenagers and babies in arms. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Polly Braden has used her camera to document the lives of women and children unexpectedly scattered across Europe. Through first-hand photographs, personal films and recorded conversations, Leaving Ukraine will take the visitor on a geographical and emotional journey, including the highs and lows of job interviews, first days at school, trips to buy wedding dresses and poignant family reunions, as well as gruelling night shifts – a far cry from the jobs they had at home. The show will explore four central stories focussing on: three school friends trying to forge new lives and continue their education; a young graduate making a fresh start as a lawyer in London; a mother whose baby was born shortly after a perilous escape from Kherson to Warsaw; and two friends and their children who fled to Moldova with help from a kickboxing club, now struggling to find work in Italy. Polly Braden’s relationships with the women and girls featured in the exhibition continues up to the present moment and we see how their circumstances are continuing to evolve amid the ongoing uncertainty. As the conflict continues into its third year, the passing of time is mirrored in everyday lives, as teenagers grow into young adults and babies into toddlers. Supported by The 1739 Club.

Showcasing Wilsher-Mills’ largest and most personal commission to date, the exhibition is a joyful exploration of the body, drawing on the artist’s experience of becoming disabled as a child. Wilsher-Mills fills the space with a colourful and immersive installation, featuring monumental sculptures, illustrations and interactive dioramas that challenge cultural and societal perceptions about disability, medicine and the human body. The exhibition will celebrate childhood, memory and popular culture, infused with the artist’s trademark humour and magic-realist depictions of episodes from his life.

Art Without Heroes: Mingei is the largest ever exhibition in the UK dedicated to Mingei, the influential folk-craft movement that developed in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s. With more than 80 works, including ceramics, woodwork, paper, toys, textiles, photography and film, the exhibition will incorporate unseen pieces from significant private collections in the UK and Japan, along with museum loans. Mingei is a term coined by the Japanese philosopher and critic Yanagi Sōetsu (1889-1961) to mean ‘the art of the people’ and ascribes cultural value and aesthetic purity to traditional craft objects, unnamed makers and a simpler way of life. The exhibition will consider Mingei both as a historical moment and as a set of principles that remain relevant to contemporary craft, manufacturing and material consumerism worldwide. Like the British Arts and Crafts movement, Mingei was a response to rapid industrialisation. Mingei developed in dialogue with the work of William Morris and his contemporaries, within a specifically Japanese context that included the strong influence of Pure Land Buddhism. The exhibition will also introduce the significance of Korean, Okinawan and Ainu objects to the Mingei movement, showing how these independent cultures contributed to what tends to be seen as a quintessentially Japanese aesthetic. Divided into three parts, the exhibition will start with the 19th-century craft objects the Mingei movement looked to for inspiration. The second part of the exhibition will focus on the origin and evolution of the Mingei movement during the 20th century. Spearheaded by Yanagi, Japanese studio potter Hamada Shōji (1894-1978) and British studio potter Bernard Leach (1887-1979), it proposed an alternative to the rise of industrialism that accompanied the modernisation of Japanese society. Together Yanagi, Hamada and Leach, who described themselves as the ‘three musketeers’, championed the Mingei ideals of ‘art without heroes’, true beauty and traditional craft skills, leading a revival of interest in folk crafts. The final section of the exhibition will consider 21st-century iterations of the Mingei movement and modern re-interpretations of its core values. It will also show how the term ‘Mingei’ has been reinterpreted and reclaimed by contemporary artists, including work by Theaster Gates which explores the spiritual and artistic dialogue between Black and Japanese craft traditions, a key concern of his practice. Designed by Hayatsu Architects and graphic design studio Stinsensqueeze, the exhibition will be accompanied by a major new publication by Yale University Press edited by curator Roisin Inglesby. Art Without Heroes: Mingei is supported by The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. Image: Hamada demonstrating in California c. 1950s. From the collections of the Crafts Study Centre, University for the Creative Arts.

This major exhibition will celebrate the life and work of one of the greatest Italian designers of the 20th century, Enzo Mari, whose designs have inspired generations of creatives around the world. Not only one of the 20th century’s most significant designers, Mari was also an artist, teacher, theorist, and more. During his prolific career, he created countless enduring and timeless designs, filling the homes and streets of the Milanese and beyond. An outspoken critic of the design industry, his uncompromising belief in the social responsibility of design resonates powerfully today, as we face ecological and ethical issues with ever greater urgency. This unmissable retrospective which debuted at Triennale Milano in 2020, will span Mari’s 60-year career and bring together hundreds of his projects, ranging from furniture, children’s books and games, product and graphic design, to more conceptual installation-based works. Archival material will provide greater insight into Mari’s research process, and the key principles that guided and unified his work. Alongside this exhibition, the museum will also host a related free display featuring a number of commissioned tributes from contemporary international artists and designers in celebration of Mari's extraordinary life and legacy, to be on shown on the first floor's balcony.

The first solo exhibition of Shonibare’s work for over 20 years in a London public institution, it marks a return for the artist who first exhibited at Serpentine South in 1992 as a finalist in the Barclays Young Artist Award, and as a participant in Serpentine’s 2006 Interview Marathon. includes new and recent installations, sculptures, pictorial quilts and woodcut prints. The works on view explore central themes of legacies of colonial power, sites of refuge and shelter. Shonibare’s new works centre on migration and related conflicts, conversations on public sculptures and their significance in our cities. The exhibition will also delve into the ecological impact of colonisation, the European legacy of imperialism and consequential attempts at peace. Above: Yinka Shonibare CBE, Decolonised Structures, 2022-23. Fibreglass sculptures, hand-painted with Dutch wax pattern, gold leaf and wooden plinths. Dimensions variable. Commissioned by Sharjah Art Foundation. Courtesy of the artist and Goodman Gallery, Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and New York, James Cohan Gallery, New York and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London and New York. Photographer: Stephen White & Co. © Yinka Shonibare CBE

Connected by the theme of loss, the display reveals – through portraiture – the personal stories and experiences of those whose lives were impacted, and continue to be affected, by the Troubles, a 30-year period of conflict in Northern Ireland. Painted between 2014 and 2015, the portraits are connected by each sitter’s shared experience of personal loss and speak to the ongoing impact of conflict on individuals, as well as wider communities in Northern Ireland and beyond. Colin Davidson: Silent Testimony is on display in Room 14, Floor 3. The sitters are: John Gallagher Flo O’Riordan Mo Norton Thomas O’Brien Anna Cachart Maureen Reid Damien McNally Walter Simons Johnnie Proctor Margaret Yeaman Virtue Dixon Jeff Smith Paul Reilly Mary Finnis Jean Caldwell Fiona Kelly Emma Anthony Stuart McCausland About the artist: Colin Davidson received an Art and Design degree from the University of Ulster (1987-91) and an Honorary Degree in Art from Queen's University (2016). His many portrait sitters have included HM The Late Queen Elizabeth II, President Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt and Ed Sheeran. He has participated in the Gallery’s acclaimed painting competition – now named the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award – three times, winning the Visitor's Choice Award in 2012. In 2021, he was installed as Chancellor of Ulster University. Silent Testimony was first displayed at the Ulster Museum in Belfast and most recently exhibited at Stormont’s Parliament Buildings and the Irish Arts Center in New York. This display at the National Portrait Gallery was made possible with the assistance of WAVE Trauma Centre Belfast and National Museums NI.

Serpentine and The Royal Parks unveil a new large-scale sculpture by German artist Gerhard Richter (b. 1932, Dresden, Germany; lives and works in Cologne, Germany). Situated on the plinth at Serpentine South, in Kensington Gardens, STRIP-TOWER (2023) is the latest presentation in a long-standing series of remarkable public presentations in The Royal Parks since Serpentine’s foundation in 1970.

An unparalleled selection of the world's leading photographers, telling the story of modern and contemporary photography. Discover iconic images across subjects such as fashion, celebrity, reportage and the male body.

Birds are our morning accompaniment, soaring through the skies and flitting through the streets, but how much do we really know about these feathered friends? Let the whole family rejoice, our new exhibit invites you into their world like never before! Circle as birds whisper, chirp as the dawn chorus begins, and see if you’ve got the guts to sniff a stinky seabird egg. From feeling their heartbeat to seeing the world through their eyes, get to know our long-beaked friends better. Meet the world’s oldest modern bird, the so-called Wonderchicken, learn what pigeons have in common with the ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex, and discover how these winged wonders survived the mass extinction that wiped out all the other dinosaurs. Today, there are more than 11,000 species of birds. From pigeons to penguins, ostriches to ospreys, birds live on every continent on Earth, so what is the secret to their success? From sucking blood to bathing in acid, our feathered friends find surprising, clever and even downright weird ways to survive. But the way we live is starting to affect the way they live. As the effects of our changing world become apparent, can we find a way to protect them and create a future where they can soar again?

'GRACE is the constant reimagining of Black culture and aspirational attitude under foreign conditions. GRACE here explores how my grandmother, my mother, and my sister in the British Caribbean community showed up gracefully.'