The UK is home to one of the most diverse and exciting artistic communities in the world, and many of those creatives are constantly looking for new ways to showcase their work. This means the UK’s calendar of artistic events is always incredibly busy – especially during the summer months, when outdoor events are also made possible by a lift in the weather.
If you’re planning to check out what the UK’s art scene has to offer this summer, here are some of the must-see exhibitions and top events around the country.
The Essex Summer of Art – May to October
This annual festival helps to showcase the work of artists from all over the country, and with a variety of events taking place from May until October, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. The season includes art trails around Essex’s most famous towns and regions (from Brentwood and Braintree to Harwich and Hadley), as well as workshops, school showcases and interactive events for all the family.
Art Night – 2nd July
On July 2nd, in the heart of London, a brand new event will take place after nightfall. Art Night is based on Nuit Blanche (roughly translated as ‘sleepless night’), an event which started in Paris back in 2002. The inaugural London take on the event will be based on the history of Westminster and will be curated by Kathy Noble and the ICA. Installations, performances and artist’s talks will take place across the capital, with all events totally free.
Pop Goes The Weasel! – 14th – 31st July
Taking place at the Upper Gulbenkian Gallery in Kensington, this Ann Carrington exhibition is a celebration of everyday objects. Carrington repurposes everyday items to transform them into new and surprising artistic pieces. Some of the most breath-taking sculptures include an array of knives and forks being turns into a beautiful arrangement of flowers, and a pair of galleon ships made from strings of pearls.
Herd of Sheffield – until September
As art of the Wild in Art project, Sheffield will be playing host to a herd of vibrant, colourful elephants from now until September 2016, in support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. The visually spectacular sculptures will pop up all over the city, and local artists have been given the opportunity to submit their own unique elephant designs. Each elephant will celebrate something unique about Sheffield’s history, whether it’s the snooker at The Crucible or Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill.
