Our top picks of exhibitions together with cultural spaces and places, both online and in the real world.

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Viewing Marquee TV Summer Shorts 2021

The Wick Culture - Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Dido's Lament.

Above Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Dido’s Lament.

The Wick Culture - The Washington Ballet dancers Tamas Krisza and Maki Onuki performing Unbound at Doves. Photo by xmbphotography.

Above The Washington Ballet dancers Tamas Krisza and Maki Onuki performing Unbound at Doves. Photo by xmbphotography.

The Wick Culture - A still from Nadia Hallgren's film Death, with music by Tyshawn Sorey. Courtesy LA Opera - 5

Above A still from Nadia Hallgren’s film Death, with music by Tyshawn Sorey. Courtesy LA Opera – 5

The Wick Culture - Barnaby Rook Bishop in Sophie Laplanes DIVE. Image: Andy Ross

Above Barnaby Rook Bishop in Sophie Laplanes DIVE. Image: Andy Ross

The Wick Culture - Dear Black Girls, San Francisco Dance Film Festival

Above Dear Black Girls, San Francisco Dance Film Festival

Above Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Dido’s Lament.

Above The Washington Ballet dancers Tamas Krisza and Maki Onuki performing Unbound at Doves. Photo by xmbphotography.

Above A still from Nadia Hallgren’s film Death, with music by Tyshawn Sorey. Courtesy LA Opera – 5

Above Barnaby Rook Bishop in Sophie Laplanes DIVE. Image: Andy Ross

Above Dear Black Girls, San Francisco Dance Film Festival

Marquee TV Summer Shorts Festival
1—31 August 2021

If you’re not quite ready to face hordes of real-life theatregoers, tune into Marquee TV’s Summer Shorts Festival, celebrating the very best of opera, dance, theatre and music on demand. During the month of August, you’ll be able to stream 30 short films from institutional partners and independent artists from around the world for free. ‘The very best short films have the power to inspire and excite all in a space of minutes, and great stories can be told in a very short time,’ says Susannah Simons, Editorial Director at Marquee TV.

Not to be missed are the five short films from the 2020 Platform Presents Playwright’s Prize, including My Dad’s A C**t and Is Edward Snowden Single? For those who enjoy dance, look to the San Francisco Dance Film Festival and to The Washington Ballet’s pas de deux titled Unbound, a striking duet inspired by Michael Pendry’s installation Les Colombes (Doves) in the Washington National Cathedral. Opera buffs will enjoy Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment and LA Opera’s Let Me Come In starring American soprano Angel Blue. With so much to see, you’ll be swopping Aperols alfresco for pointes and pirouettes in no time.

Viewing Focus on the Female, Cynthia Corbett Gallery at The Exhibitionist Hotel

The Wick Culture - Cynthia Corbett Gallery, Focus on the Female, at the Exhibitionist Hotel, Image: Cristina Schek

Above Cynthia Corbett Gallery, Focus on the Female, at the Exhibitionist Hotel, Image: Cristina Schek

Focus On The Female
The Exhibitionist Hotel, South Kensington
20 July — 30 September 2021

Scoot along to South Kensington’s Exhibitionist Hotel for a peek at its summer showcase, featuring wonderful artworks by 15 women artists working across a variety of media. The all-female exhibition is curated by Cynthia Corbett Gallery and the Young Masters Art Prize, a not-for-profit initiative which seeks to highlight and support emerging talent.

On display are works by gallery-represented artists, Young Masters alumnae and artists Cynthia Corbett has never worked with before. Marvel at Deborah Azzopardi’s seductive pop art images. Or lose yourself in Nicole Etienne’s breathtaking sky-filled canvases. Amanda McCavour’s mesmerising hanging poppy installation is another highlight. When you’ve had your fill, head to the hotel’s quirky cocktail bar for sumptuous summer sipping.

Viewing On Happiness, Wellcome Collection

The Wick Culture - Joy Inside Our Tears, 2021, Harold Offeh

Above Joy Inside Our Tears, 2021, Harold Offeh

The Wick Culture - David Shrigley, Untitled, 2020, ink on paper. Courtesy David Shrigley and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London

Above David Shrigley, Untitled, 2020, ink on paper. Courtesy David Shrigley and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London

The Wick Culture - Regarding Forests Hoh Rain Forest 3 Olympic National Park 2019. Chrystel Lebas

Above Regarding Forests Hoh Rain Forest 3 Olympic National Park 2019. Chrystel Lebas

The Wick Culture - English folding almanac in Latin, c.1415-1420. Wellcome Collection

Above English folding almanac in Latin, c.1415-1420. Wellcome Collection

Above Joy Inside Our Tears, 2021, Harold Offeh

Above David Shrigley, Untitled, 2020, ink on paper. Courtesy David Shrigley and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London

Above Regarding Forests Hoh Rain Forest 3 Olympic National Park 2019. Chrystel Lebas

Above English folding almanac in Latin, c.1415-1420. Wellcome Collection

On Happiness
Wellcome Collection
15 July 2021 — 27 February 2022

What is happiness? What makes you feel good? How can you create happy feelings? These complex questions are the subject of a new season of free events, activities and exhibitions at London’s Wellcome Collection.

After a year of rising levels of anxiety, depression, stress and uncertainty, this new programme asks how we might rebuild our sense of happiness, while reflecting on the connections between these complex emotions, our bodies and health. It will also explore the ways in which people find resilience, hope and joy in times of hardship.

The two free exhibitions — Tranquillity and Joy — bring together voices from across the cultural, scientific and spiritual fields to explore happiness in all its forms. Tranquillity centres on feelings of contentment, serenity, peace and balance, while Joy looks at heightened emotional states such as ecstasy, euphoria and pleasure.

You’ll encounter historic objects from Wellcome’s collection, newly commissioned works and multi-sensory installations. Relax in a yoga studio created by Jasleen Kaur before scoping out new works by Amalia Pica and David Shrigley which address themes of resilience, humour and hope. For a deeper dive, plug into Wellcome’s five-part podcast series exploring how emotion affects our lives and culture in unexpected ways. After such a rollercoaster year, On Happiness is sure to put a smile on your face. Need we say more?