Art Scene
Wapping Project
In what used to be a hydraulic power station in London's East End, now stands a unique multi-purpose exhibition and performance space. Plus there is an award-winning restaurant located in the station's Engine and Turbine Houses. What makes The Wapping Project distinctly innovative and downright cool is its undefined boundaries of space. Imagine dining in the midst of original 19th century hydraulic machinery while dancers perform a newly-commissioned contemporary piece. You can find The Wapping Project on the north bank of the Thames (east of Tower Bridge).
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House for an Art Lover
Undoubtedly, Scotland's most famous architect was Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Many of his iconic structures including the Glasgow School of Art, the Scotland Street School and the Willow Tea Rooms still stand today and contribute to the city's distinct feel. In 1901, Mackintosh entered a contest sponsored by a German design magazine to draft a modern 'House for an Art Lover.' Mackintosh worked with his wife, Margaret Macdonald, a decorative artist to create a portfolio that is now famous in the world of design. The house itself wasn't built until the 1990's in conjunction with the Glasgow School of Art. Visiting the House for an art lover tops the list of thing's you must do on a visit to Glasgow.
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BritArt
Like any good capital city, London is full of great art galleries. There are internationally renowned galleries such as Tate Britain, the National Gallery and the ever-impressive Tate Modern, but it's also worth checking out some of the smaller, independent venues such as the Saatchi Gallery. The resurgence of the British art scene with the controversial Young British Artists in the 1990's means London has some of the best places to see contemporary art in the world.
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Chapter Arts
If you are looking for deeply provocative performances, life-affirming films or exhibitions that push the envelope, check out Chapter Arts Centre. Located in the Canton neighborhood of Cardiff, it tops the list of things to do in Wales. This recently expanded arts house, one of Europe's largest independent arts centers, boasts an aggressive lineup of world- and independent film screenings as well as stage performances. You'll be immersed in the arts as soon as you walk through the entrances' 60-foot "lightbox" space which showcases new art from Welsh artists. The interiors have been created by leading-Welsh designer Angela Gidden and award-winning performer, Marc Rees.
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Launched by Saatchi
One of the world's largest and coolest contemporary arts galleries is free. The Saatchi Gallery in London brings emerging and contemporary artists to as broad an audience as possible and has been the launch pad for many young artist's careers. Upcoming exhibitions include features on American Abstract Artists, The Empire Strikes Back and Indian Art Today. However, the gallery is more known for its controversial pieces such as Chris Ofili's black Virgin Mary surrounded by erotica. Locals know that the time to visit is in the winter when the crowds are less.
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Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art
Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art is a unique event in the cultural calendar. Taking place every other year, the Festival comprises groundbreaking and dynamic presentations in contemporary visual art practice, across a range of exhibitions, public projects, talks, performances and screenings by both local and international artists. 2010 coincides with the 20th anniversary of Glasgow's reign as European Capital of Culture in 1990. You can expect the art community to be out in full force. 2010 will be the year to experience the vibrancy and depth of the city's art scene at its best.
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tactileBosch Studio
Established by artists Kim Fielding and Simon Mitchell in a 200 year-old industrial Victorian laundry, tactileBosch supports emerging artists with an emphasis on experimental creative projects. Exhibitions run the gamut of film, multi-media, installation, and performance pieces. Since 2000, the gallery has focused on showcasing both national and international talent with a focus on developing the Welsh Art Scene.
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The Serpentine Gallery
Located in Hyde Park, The Serpentine Gallery is one of London's best-loved galleries for modern and contemporary art. Admission is free for its exhibitions and public programs. Notable artists who have been exhibited there include Man Ray, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, Paula Rego, Damien Hirst, and Jeff Koons. Special exhibition, Design Real, opening in November will explore the designs of contemporary manufactured objects that have made an impact on the world.
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Enjoying the Fruits of Scottish Art
Edinburgh is known for its emerging art scene and for attracting international artists to its many galleries. You'll find world-class contemporary art at the heart of the city at the Fruitmarket Gallery. With an ever changing program of exhibitions, the Gallery understands the importance of art, artists, culture, creativity and artists' impact on individual and collective lives. The mix of world-class galleries and emerging young artists means that Edinburgh is always at the forefront of Britain's art scene.
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Modern Wales
The Tabernacle theater was converted in the mid-1980s from a Wesleyan chapel into a centre for the performing arts. Since then MOMA WALES has grown up alongside it in four exhibition spaces filled with the best of Welsh contemporary art. Throughout the year MOMA WALES shows Modern Welsh Art, featuring leading artists from Wales, works from the growing Tabernacle Collection, and in August selected entries from the Tabernacle Art Competition. Many of the works of art are for sale.
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The Custard Factory
Birmingham's revolutionary arts and media centre has been developed on the original site of an actual custard factory. Within its former industrial buildings is a dynamic hive of working artists and small companies that are leading a creative revolution in the city. The Custard Factory features galleries, artist workspaces, theater, and one of Birmingham's premier clubs, and hosts regular events, performances, and new art showcases. Check out the Capsule Supersonic Festival held every July to get a feeling for that creative vibe and buzz when you combine art, music, film, and cake.
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Secret Wars
Secret Wars is the world's premier live art battle. Often hosted in the darkest corners of the city, you might stumble across these artistic battles in the basement of a bar or even in a deserted meat factory. Secret Wars is on a global mission to turn live art into a recognized sport where artists compete to create works in front of an audience. If you want to find one of these elusive events, get to Birmingham in the next few months and be sure to check out either the Rainbow Warehouse or Rainbow Pub for upcoming "battles."
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