These are the events worth clearing your diary for. From the blockbuster exhibitions of the Saatchi Gallery and radical shows of the Royal Court Theatre, to the hands on creative workshops of Chelsea Manor Street. Come and be inspired or start making yourself.
At Saatchi Gallery, contemporary art is presented on an international scale, with exhibitions that invite visitors to encounter new ideas, artists and ways of seeing. Don’t miss their latest breathtaking new exhibition which runs until 8 September, The Sun and The Moon: Art Inspired by the Celestial. Plus, Saatchi run a series of Lates which include classes and workshops.
From 16-20 September, London’s most dynamic arts and culture festival returns, with a multidisciplinary lineup of artists, speakers, performers, and visionaries, outdoor performances, and bustling food & arts markets. Party at Saatchi Gallery’s 'A Night of T/Reason’ celebrating 50 years of Punk; be blown away by ‘This Is Rambert’ at Cadogan Hall, a celebration of the iconic Dance company’s centenary or listen to Bella Freud in conversation with visionary designer, muse and entrepreneur Susie Cave. Whatever you are into the Chelsea Arts Festival will leave you fizzing and inspired.
Find out more and book tickets here
This year The Royal Court celebrates 70 years of disruption, honouring its radical past while aggressively courting the future of new writing. Man to Man starring Chelsea local, Tilda Swinton may be sold out but there are still tickets available for The Afronauts, the true(ish) story of the Zambian Space Program, and a nation’s defiant dream to reach for the stars and a world premiere from Sky Arts Award-winning playwright Ryan Calais Cameron.
Catch The Afronauts 14 November -19 December. Find out more and book tickets here
If getting immersive and hands-on is more your thing, take a stroll down King’s Road to Chelsea Manor Street where workshops and experiences are part of the every day. Art Play London is a creative studio and art bar, offering everything from free-flow painting sessions to pottery, candle-making, jewellery-making, terrariums, catering to all ages and creative abilities. Don’t miss their DJ Paint Parties every Friday and Saturday evening.
Or there’s BookBar, where reading is a social affair. Catch one of their many author events or join their monthly Book Club, where you can pick apart your read with like-minded souls over a glass of wine or coffee.
New forms is a café, bar, and boutique record shop from the team behind Next Door Records, featuring a world-class sound system and extensive vinyl library in a relaxed setting. With an ever-evolving roster of DJs it’s always a good time to pop in.
Channel your inner design at The Fashion School which offers design, sewing and pattern cutting classes in a high-end studio setting.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea’s open-air music series Live at Chelsea may have come to a close but this summer there is still plenty to enjoy. From the Treasure House Fair (25-30 June) which brings together the foremost dealers in art, antiques and design to the Longines Global Champions Tour (7-9 August) which celebrates show jumping at the highest level. Find out more here.
The return of the Curzon cinema at The Gaumont building will bring even more creative flair to King’s Road, with plans for a flagship destination that extends beyond film into events, studios and shared cultural experiences. It joins a wider cast of venues that prove Chelsea’s icons are not fixed in time. They are historic and contemporary, polished and playful, grand and intimate places that continue to evolve. Watch this space!
