This is a sponsored article on behalf of Art of London.
Gallery lates, large-scale public art, and Glasto-worthy party vibes... one of the most exciting events in London's cultural calendar returns this February, and we're here to give you the low-down.
Art After Dark takes over the West End from 3 to 10 February. Presented by Art of London, this free week of festivities is billed as a celebration of the capital's nightlife through music and art. As usual, some huge names are getting involved, with the likes of the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) hosting special events after hours. But that's just the start of the fun...
Rise and Shine in Piccadilly Circus
This year's Art After Dark headliner is internationally acclaimed London-based artist Lakwena Maciver, whose bold, kaleidoscopic work has previously been exhibited at the likes of Tate Britain, Southbank Centre, and Somerset House.
On Tuesday 3 February, she'll unveil a soaring new al fresco installation at Piccadilly Circus, which pays homage to London's community-led music culture. Rise and Shine is a seven metre-tall tower consisting of stacked disco lightboxes. With its acid-hued luminescence and a soundsystem-esque form, it references 1980s and 1990s nightlife, while also calling attention to Piccadilly Circus' role as both a stage and a gathering point. The art work is free to visit and will remain in-situ until 10 February.
Go gallery hopping...
Art After Dark presents an excellent opportunity to get to know the galleries in central London that you're perhaps less familiar with. On Thursday 5 February Art of London hosts its hugely popular Gallery HOP!, offering both self-guided and art expert-led evening tours.
Participating galleries include Bowman Sculpture, Iconic Images Gallery and White Cube — all open until 8pm for one night only. Along the way, you'll encounter everything from Old Masters to emerging artists, as well as stopping by Lakwena Maciver's Rise and Shine.
...And bar/restaurant hopping!
On top of all the gallery antics, some excellent local businesses are getting involved in Art After Dark, with music sessions and special offers at bars and restaurants across the West End. These include 30% off cocktails and bites at EllaMia After Dark and 15% off à la carte dining at both the National Portrait Gallery's Portait Restaurant and Whitcomb's at The Londoner hotel (just quote 'Art After Dark' to redeem!)
On the music front, there's live jazz at the Haymarket Hotel, 80s/90s themed bandeoke at BOX Piccadilly, and a performance by Jade Thornton at the Hard Rock Cafe — to name but a few.
Get your groove on at the National Gallery
Celebrate London's creative community in truly spectacular style with a one-off DJ takeover at a world-renowned art institution.
On Thursday 5 February, 8pm-11.59pm, the National Gallery hosts Party After Dark. Behind the decks is the legendary Bimini (Bon-Boulash): drag queen, musician, author, activist, and star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. After emerging DJ and musician Mia Lily kicks things off with a bass-driven, genre-bending set, Bimini invites revellers to get their groove on to an eclectic mix of electronic, pop, and club sounds, in the incredible setting of the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing.
While the vast majority of Art After Dark activities are free, this one has a small entry fee. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked in advance here — tickets are released in batches, so if it looks like it's sold out, do keep checking the website!
Enjoy a Friday night out with a twist
Experience iconic art institutions after-hours with a flurry of Friday Lates, all taking place on 6 February. The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and The RA will be keeping their doors open until 9pm, giving you the chance to take in Rembrandts, Van Goghs, Monets, Turners and oh-so-many-more away from the daytime crowds.
Entry to all Friday Lates is free, though you may to choose to purchase a ticket to one of the galleries' temporary exhibitions (PSA: some popular shows at all three institutions are closing soon, so this could be your last chance to catch 'em).
The full Art After Dark programme can be found here. Have a gander, and get ready to brighten up your winter evenings with a whole lot of music, art and general revelry.
