Looking Forward to Spring / Summer 2019

At a moment when the country is gripped by daily conversations and debate about our national identity and future place in the world, there’s no better time for Somerset House’s programme of exhibitions, gigs, films and events to reflect on and celebrate the multiplicity of voices that together form modern Britain.

The incredible range of artists we are working with this year are shining a light, lifting the lid and leading the way, revealing the extraordinary in the familiar and encouraging us to look that little bit harder and listen that little bit longer. Through some breathtakingly beautiful, thrilling and heartbreakingly moving work they transform the here and now whilst encouraging us to open up, reach out, connect and explore what we need to sustain us and what we can offer each other along the way.

Our current Terrace Room exhibition ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE showcases the work of Hanna Moon and Joyce Ng, two of the most dynamic photographers working in fashion today, celebrating the vitality and importance of fresh perspectives within fashion photography in our globalised, interconnected world.

Packed with experimental game design and hands-on opportunities for visitors to try out new games for themselves, NOW PLAY THIS returns at the start of April with an extended, week-long event as part of the city-wide London Games Festival focused around the idea of community.

Major photography events feature prominently throughout the spring and include the SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS and of course the annual image extravaganza which is PHOTO LONDON, displaying the work of the finest photographic artists working today. 

Sustainability is one of our key concerns and a consideration in all of our projects. We're once again marking Earth Day in April, with American artist and environmental activist Justin Brice Guariglia presenting a new project titled REDUCE SPEED NOW!, commissioned by Somerset House and bringing together international perspectives on the world’s ecological crisis. 

In June we’ll present KALEIDOSCOPE, co-curated by writer Ekow Eshun and creative director Darrell Vydelingum, a new photography exhibition that celebrates stories of everyday life, identity and immigration in modern Britain. Featuring both stills and moving image, KALEIDOSCOPE showcases the works of ten photographers born or based in Britain, many with family origins abroad, and explores what it means and how it feels to live as an immigrant, or a descendent of immigrants, in Britain today, providing surprising insights that are in turn moving, witty and playful.

June also sees the opening of our major exhibition GET UP, STAND UP NOW, celebrating the past 50 years of Black creative pioneers in Britain and beyond, curated by Zak Ové. Beginning with the radical Black filmmaker Horace Ové and his dynamic circle of Windrush generation creative peers, and extending to today’s brilliant young Black talent, a group of 100 interdisciplinary and international artists will come together for the very first time to present their own personal explorations of the Black experience or Black influence, from the post-war era to the present day. 

Across eleven nights of open-air gigs, SOMERSET HOUSE SUMMER SERIES with American Express brings a vibrant festival atmosphere to the very heart of London in July. With a programme of pioneering musicians across a range of genres, Summer Series gives music fans a live experience unlike any other, with the rare chance to see critically acclaimed artists plus some of the best up and coming performers in a spectacular yet intimate setting. Sign up to our newsletter for priority information and booking.

Somerset House Studios partners with Mutek and the British Council in June to host ten female-identifying artists and electronic producers working across the digital arts in Canada, Argentina, Peru and the UK. Connecting different cultures and experiences, AMPLIFY is a platform to generate dialogue on access, inclusion and gender equality between local and international industry professionals, culminating in a weekend of performances and discussion at Somerset House.

Amplify © Somerset House Studios.jpg

Amplify © Somerset House Studios

Later in the summer, we're also looking forward to the return of our annual film fan extravaganza - FILM4 SUMMER SCREEN - transforming our iconic courtyard into London's most beautiful open-air cinema to host the ultimate cinematic experience. Over fourteen summer evenings, thousands of film lovers share laughs, suspense, emotion and drama under the night sky with the biggest outdoor screen in the city. Sign up to our newsletter for priority information and booking.

The artists, exhibitions and events in our spring/summer programme this year exemplify what it means to be a contemporary, bold and uncompromising creative. These are also core values across the Somerset House artistic community, the largest in the UK. It’s incredibly inspiring to be championing these artists at this moment in time and initiating conversations across so many disciplines. I can’t wait for you to experience for yourself the incredible breadth of creative talent which calls Somerset House home. This home in the heart of the city belongs to all of us. Please do come and join us.