Returning to the streets of London is none other than Art After Dark,
From February 3-10, you can get your art and culture fix across the West End at a range of events, including public artworks from headline artist Lakwena Mciver, as well as late nights spent at indie galleries and world-class institutions, exclusive food and beverage offers and epic parties to experience. But you're here to find out which events to prioritise, right?
Without further ado, these are our top five reasons why you need to join the Art After Dark madness this February…
This year's leading artist is Lakwena Mciver, renowned for her bold and inspiring work. For Art After Dark, she's created a public artwork called 'Rise and Shine' – a seven metre tower of stacked disco lightboxes in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, said to be inspired by London's peak club culture in the 1980s and 1990s. This piece is nostalgia at its finest – and it's free. Don't miss it.
Keen to discover the best of London's art gallery scene? You're in luck, because Art of London is hosting Gallery HOP! once again, where a series of indie galleries stay open late on Thursday February 4. Whether you're looking for a guided expert-led tour or fancy going solo on a self-guided tour, you can enjoy gallery hopping around London's best this February.
A returning feature of Art After Dark is the Friday Lates part of the programme, where it pretty much does what it says on the tin. On Friday February 6, you can make your way around The National Gallery, The Royal Academy of Arts and the National Portrait Gallery all the way until 9pm. How's that for a late-night art fest? Oh, and other than ticketed exhibitions, they're all free to enter and enjoy.
Taking inspiration from Lakwena's stunning artwork, London's hottest venues will be hosting a series of pop-up music sessions – alongside some pretty epic dining offers, all strictly for those enjoying Art After Dark. From Blind Spot (pictured) and Hard Rock Cafe to Market Place, there's no shortage of 80s and 90s nostalgia awaiting you as night falls. Just don't forget to pass by J Sheekey's for dinner – they're offering a free glass of bubbly. Cheers to that, fellow art pals.
This year, The National Gallery is hosting Party After Dark on the Thursday night of the programme. With tickets costing a fiver (and proceeds going back into the gallery itself) and a line-up of epic DJs and artists – including Bimini and Mia Lily, plus one yet-to-be-announced – you'll have the unique opportunity to party the night away in one of the world's most prestigious art institutions. Bottoms up.
Visit Art After Dark's website for more information on this year's programme, music sessions and dining offers