Arts In Parliament: Free Exhibitions & Performances

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 141 months ago
Arts In Parliament: Free Exhibitions & Performances
The ceramic installation of roses and tulips created by artist Paul Cummins
The ceramic installation of roses and tulips created by artist Paul Cummins
Flowers at Cromwell's feet
Flowers at Cromwell's feet
A ceramic tulip in Paul Cummins' flower garden outside Westminster Hall
A ceramic tulip in Paul Cummins' flower garden outside Westminster Hall
The ceramic installation of roses and tulips created by artist Paul Cummins
The ceramic installation of roses and tulips created by artist Paul Cummins
The flower garden marks the beginning of a summer of Arts in Parliament
The flower garden marks the beginning of a summer of Arts in Parliament

A ceramic flower garden has been installed at Cromwell's feet outside the Houses of Parliament to mark the start of a summer season of free art, music, dance, and theatre events taking place in Westminster Hall.

From 14 June you can visit Westminster Hall for free to visit an exhibition of peace murals called Hands Around the World. Created by local art projects the murals represent different cultures and look rather pretty but it's also a great opportunity to gawp at the massive and historic interior of what was the largest room in England when it was built in 1097.

Other chances to see Westminster Hall without sitting through a debate or having lunch with the Queen include two special performances by Asian dance company Akademi (5 July and 7 August), an afternoon curated by young people called Stories of the World (24 July), a concert of Youth Music Voices (25 July) and somewhereto_ an urban collaboration between dancers, street artists and free runners (7 August).

Top London spoken word talent Inua Ellams backed by the Apples and Snakes poetry people are also putting together REPRESENT, a poem for Parliament composed by the people. Express what representation means to you and be a part of the project - submit your words online by 25 June. Inua will make a film about the process which will be screened in Westminster Hall (1-6 August).

Arts in Parliament runs throughout the summer. All events are free but some are ticketed.

Photographs by Peter Berthoud.

Last Updated 08 June 2012