Heart of London Business Alliance’s award-winning cultural initiative, Art of London, has launched its third annual Season. August-September, will see the West End play host to headline public art commissions, special projects, participatory consumer events in partnership with prestigious arts and culture institutions, with additional events running in October. This year’s theme of ‘The Art of Entertainment’ aims to inspire West End visitors to learn about notable figures past and present who have shaped Britain today.
Stepping foot into London’s cultural heart of Leicester Square, city-goers will discover ‘Art Reframed’. Developed in partnership with the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery, the installation showcases the Gallery’s most iconic portraits on 52 giant colourful cubes across Coventry Street and Irving Street. From modern-day legends like Olivia Colman, Annie Lennox, Elton John and Dusty Springfield, to icons of history including William Shakespeare, Nell Gwyn and Ira Aldridge. The commission is on display until October 2023.
Moving on down to Piccadilly Circus, witness the return of ‘Art of London Presents Take A Moment’, the renowned photography spectacle by artist Ray Burmiston. The world-famous Piccadilly Lights will host dazzling displays of Burmiston’s latest portraits, followed by a special Spotlight Space in the National Portrait Gallery. The programme will culminate after World Mental Health Day (10th October) in which the thousands who shared their support will be screened on the Piccadilly Lights in a poignant finale. Members of the public can send their own selfie with their eyes closed for the chance to be part of the art and be featured on the Piccadilly Lights and in the National Portrait Gallery, alongside over 300 stars captured by Burmiston.
This year’s new addition for the programme is the Art of London Wellness Zone, a two-day pop-up of tranquillity in Leicester Square Gardens, supported by Westminster City Council. On 30th and 31st August, the Zone will provide city goers with an opportunity to relax with mindfulness sessions and workshops. Events will include art sessions, led by Art Explora and yoga and mindfulness sessions, provided by Neon194. Visitors will also have the chance to become part of the art by taking a photo with their eyes closed, with opportunities provided by the on-site INSTAX van from FUJIFILM. Spaces onto these events will be available to pre-book through Art of London’s website.
Finally, Art After Dark, Art of London’s popular seasonal late-night cultural initiative, returns for its third instalment on 12th and 13th October. The free arts programme in partnership with Mayfair Art Weekend unites world-class institutions and the finest independent galleries across the West End to keep exhibition doors open late into the night. More details about October’s iteration, including participating galleries, special offers and an exciting public arts spectacle to launch the programme, will be announced by Art of London shortly.
Culture seekers can also discover a raft of spectacular arts destinations and hospitality venues to visit using Art of London’s handy online guides, filled with world-class art galleries, theatres, museums, restaurants, bars, institutions and pop-ups to explore in the West End.
