Tag: london

British Museum gets a new leader

pexels sl wong 950903

Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE has been appointed as the new Director of the British Museum, following the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees and the agreement of the Prime Minister. With a wealth of experience and a track record of transformative leadership in the art world, Nicholas is set to spearhead a new era for one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions. A Visionary Leader in the Making Nicholas Cullinan is renowned as one of the UK’s most esteemed museum directors, having steered the National Portrait Gallery to new heights since April 2015. His tenure at the Gallery marked a period of significant change, characterized by a complete re-presentation of the Collection and a substantial redevelopment of the building that expanded public space by a fifth. Prior to his role at the National Portrait Gallery, Nicholas curated exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Tate Modern in London, showcasing his international perspective and innovative approach to curation. Embracing a New Chapter at the British Museum Taking the helm from Interim Director Sir Mark Jones, Nicholas Cullinan steps into the role with a clear mandate for progress and innovation. George Osborne, Chair of the British Museum, expressed utmost confidence in Nicholas’s ability to lead the institution into a transformative phase. Osborne remarked, “Nicholas Cullinan brings proven leadership today and great potential for tomorrow. His remarkable achievements at the National Portrait Gallery have earned him universal acclaim, and we believe he will continue this legacy at the… Read More

The World Press Photo Exhibition returns to London

Beekeepers

After a notable absence of seven years, the acclaimed World Press Photo Exhibition is making its much-anticipated return to London. This prestigious event is set to unfold at Borough Yards, Dirty Lane, London, SE1 9AD, from Friday, 3rd May, to Monday, 27th May 2024. Renowned for its role in highlighting the apex of photojournalism and documentary photography globally, the World Press Photo Contest is at the heart of this exhibition, showcasing a captivating array of powerful images. Tickets for this must-see exhibition are now available for purchase, offering attendees an extraordinary opportunity to engage with compelling stories and perspectives from around the globe. The World Press Photo Foundation’s core mission is to foster a deeper connection between individuals and the significant narratives shaping our world. Visitors are encouraged to transcend the everyday news cycle and critically reflect on diverse issues, facilitated by an extensive collection of high-quality visual stories aimed at enriching and enlightening viewers. The foundation, established in 1955, has a long history of celebrating outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography. Annually, the competition highlights the previous year’s most impactful works, bringing them to the attention of millions worldwide. With the exhibition travelling to over 60 cities across more than 40 countries, its influence and reach are truly remarkable. London Exhibition Director, Woody Anderson, spoke of the event’s unique position within the realm of visual storytelling, emphasizing the dedication and often hazardous efforts photographers undertake to capture these poignant moments. He remarked on the exhibition’s remarkable capacity to evoke a shared consciousness and bring critical… Read More

Hear from New York City Ballet soloist Sara Adams

Dancers ballet

The celebrated New York City Ballet (NYCB) is set to make its highly anticipated debut at Sadler’s Wells in March 2024, showcasing an array of works that signal both a nod to its storied past and a leap into the future. Among the slated UK premieres are pieces by the creative minds of Kyle Abraham, Justin Peck, and Pam Tanowitz, alongside a revered classic from the company’s co-founder George Balanchine. This marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time the company has graced a London stage since 2008, during its landmark 75th anniversary celebrations. NYCB stands as a beacon of contemporary ballet, distinguished by its remarkable speed, musicality, and avant-garde style. Founded in 1948 by the legendary George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, the company has tirelessly pushed the boundaries of ballet into new realms, maintaining its reputation as one of the premiere institutions in the world of dance. Justin Peck’s Rotunda, with its dynamic commissioned score by Nico Muhly and a vibrant ensemble of 12 dancers, embodies the innovative spirit at the heart of NYCB. Peck, who has amassed an impressive portfolio of over 20 works for the company alongside notable external projects, continues to solidify his role as a pivotal figure in modern choreography. Balanchine’s Duo Concertant, a striking duet accompanied by two onstage musicians, revisits the thematic and musical brilliance of Igor Stravinsky, a highlight from the legendary Stravinsky Festival of 1972. Balanchine, a towering figure in 20th-century ballet, leaves an indelible mark on NYCB, ensuring his foundational… Read More

Pride Month: unveiling a new chapter, Pride Action North

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In alignment with the closing of Pride Month, we are excited to announce a major rebranding of Northumberland Pride, a leading LGBTQIA+ charity. To better reflect our expanded services and broader geographical reach, we are now Pride Action North. Founded in 2017, Northumberland Pride started as a volunteer-driven initiative to organize an annual celebration for the local community. Since then, it has grown exponentially, now employing eight dedicated staff members to cater to the increased demand for specialized support and advocacy. Our services extend to various critical areas such as youth work, domestic violence, hate crime, and mental health and wellbeing. The transformation to Pride Action North is not just a name change, but a comprehensive brand makeover that includes a new mission statement, values, and soon, a revamped website. Darren Irvine-Duffy, the charity’s chair, shared, “From our humble beginnings as a local pride event organizer, we’ve evolved into an organization that provides holistic support and meaningful services. Our aim is to ensure every member of our growing community feels accepted and safe.” The rebranding represents a significant milestone in our history. Under the banner of Pride Action North, we are enthusiastic about expanding our presence and support throughout the North. As our name suggests, we are committed to action, striving to make the region a safer, more inclusive, and accepting place for everyone, particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our rebranding process involved extensive engagement with service users, stakeholders, and staff through focus groups. The outcome is a reflection of their valuable insights and… Read More

National Gallery London’s Summer on the Square

The National Gallery London from the front with umbrellas and tables spread out in Trafalgar Square

This summer from 11 29 August in the heart of London, the National Gallery will host a free festival of immersive art, creativity and community. Summer on the Square (Trafalgar, that is), is a festival that’s a re-working of the Gallery’s art collection – creating an entirely new participatory set of experiences and activities that play with scale, spectacle and sound. Come along to immerse yourself in a purpose-built arts studio; participate in practical and walk-in art and sound installations; as well as sketching, making, moving, and exploring The National Gallery’s collection.  The sessions will be free, drop-in and open to all ages and abilities. During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, the National Gallery hopes the festival will be an opportunity for local and London-wide communities to enjoy art and celebrate their own creativity with friends and family – creating a space for wellbeing and joy in tough times. For the full program and timings, head to the Summer on the Square website

Book of Man Festival London: What it is and what you need to see

Cock art

Without men, we’d be nowhere. Primarily without penises we’d be nowhere. So, the Book of Man Festival exists in a way, to showcase man and engage them in a changing world. It’s about opening eyes, learning skills, understanding things and communicating about vulnerabilities and fears with friends, family and each other. Topic of one of the festival’s most outstanding events? Dicks, of course. Scroll down for more. For the festival; a series of events in London this March will be providing a chance to develop and enjoy new perspectives. 10TH MARCH – THE PENIS GALLERY X VAGINA MUSEUM Location: The Book Club, 7-9pm The Penis Gallery is returning after a highly successful night last year which showed penises in their (strictly flaccid) glory and featured a panel discussion about taboos and anxieties around the fellas. This will be with panelist Dr Chris Morriss-Roberts, who has studied and written about the role of penises in the locker room, and male body perceptions in general.  We also have a further coup in welcoming artist Jamie McCartney, the man behind The Great Wall of Vagina, as well as his Penis Flags, is a man very much au fait with all genitalia matters. Buy tickets 16TH MARCH – HOW TO HAVE MORE AND BETTER SEX! Location: Rotate, 7-9pm In this interactive session we will tackle the new world of sex and dating. With the format of audience Q&A a top panel will discuss people’s bedroom issues, dating worries and generally give advice for better sex and happier relationships. For couples, singles,… Read More

Free gay exhibition for London Pride: Kiss My Genders

Art London 4

Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery is offering free admission to all visitors for its latest exhibition, Kiss My Genders from 11am – 7pm on Saturday 6 July.  The new exhibition Kiss My Genders is all about celebrating more than 30 international artists whose work explores and engages with gender identity. Spanning the past 50 years, Kiss My Genders brings together over 100 artworks by different generations of artists from around the world. Employing a wide range of approaches, these artists share an interest in articulating and engaging with gender fluidity, as well as with non-binary, trans and intersex identities. If acceptance, joy and tolerance are your thing, then this exhibition is for you. Give it a shot at the Southbank Centre and see more at the website.

LONDON: Pop-up mixology classes to get you loose

Gin cocktail

Cocktails aren’t just for drinking, they’re for making, and there’s no one better to make your favourite libations with than Mixology Events. They’re putting on a summer affair this year if that’s your bag, across London, which involves flash classes in an eclectic selection of venues, from a Shoreditch rooftop to an art gallery in the heart of Fitzrovia. Each pop-up will place a distinct emphasis on learning how to master cocktail classics within a fun and unusual setting. The series kicks off on Friday 21 June with an al fresco ‘Summer Solstice Rooftop Masterclass’ that will focus on the art of perfecting classic summertime cocktails. It’ll go down at TT Liquor in Shoreditch and comes complete with views stretching across East London. Event number two is on Wednesday 24 July at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in Fitzrovia. It’s all about rum for rum month and will focus on good bevs for the London summer. And the best part is, these two summer events are just the start of what Mixology has to offer. From 7-11 August, there’s an espresso martini fest to educate drinkers about one of the world’ favourite cocktails. And then, they’re tacking on a food-focused instalment with supper clubs, joined by celebrated chefs that will focus on food and cocktail pairings in some swanky London venues. Tickets are priced at £70 per two-hour class, which includes 5 cocktails. Get your tickets here.

London’s newest, flashest entrepreneur’s club: Home Grown opens in April 2019

London Home Grown club restaurant

If there’s one thing London does well, it’s their clubs, bars and private members’ hideaways, perfect for the sneaky drink, refined surrounds and general chilled awesomeness of what it means to be a member. Home Grown is for high-growth entrepreneurs and from 3 April, will be open on Great Cumberland Place in Marylebone, right in the middle of London. Home Grown is for fast-geared people with a business mind and drive to work, never stop and never take a break. It’ll be comprised of a carefully selected membership of entrepreneurs and investors will join a star-studded group of business to create a unique new community, designed for individuals who not only work to live, but live to work. The founders of exciting brands such as Not on the High Street, Seedlip, Planet Organic, Larsson & Jennings, Pleesecakes, Duke & Dexter and Blondie’s Kitchen along with ambassadors including Daniel Priestly, Jenny Tooth OBE, Julie Devonshire OBE, Lex Deak, Camilla Dolan, Andy Yates and Stephen Page are just some of the dynamic individuals getting ready to make Home Grown their second home. Why? The new pad will be dedicated to growing businesses thanks to its networking opportunities. What will Home Grown offer? For members after a bit of benefit to their membership, it’ll host: Expert ‘How To’ talks ‘Sweatworking’ – a HIIT workout, and networking event where barriers to building better connections are broken down through exercise ‘Breaking Bread’, intimate monthly dinners with leading experts in specialist fields which will include debate, discussion and delicious dishes. Health… Read More

10 things to do this summer in London

London Shard Bridge

London really comes alive in the summer. The whole city is absolutely teeming with life and activity, which brings in people from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant buzz of the town. The streets of London are one of the best places to be during the warming months and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to fill your free time. So, if you’re wondering what the best of the best things to do in London this summer are, Base London have put together a top ten. Whether you’re hanging out with friends at the weekend, planning a first date or you’re just visiting with your family, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 1. Movies on the River , Tower Millennium Pier, Aldgate, Until 18 August The perfect choice for a romantic date night, you can watch a movie whilst floating down the River Thames at sunset. With amazing views and a brilliant atmosphere, this summer night time activity is not to be missed. Depending on when you decide to go, you can choose from a massive range of films including Jaws, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman, The Shape of Water, Get Out and more! Just make sure you’re equipped with a pair of rubber-soled shoes so you’ll be looking dapper and feeling sure-stepped on the boat. 2. Underbelly Festival, London’s Southbank, Until 30 September This year’s Underbelly Festival is celebrating its 10th Birthday and is the biggest one yet! There are so many exciting acts to enjoy… Read More