Top Art Exhibitions and Galleries In London

‘Cool’ Britannia has had somewhat of a resurgence this year with the Olympics having put London at the centre of the world again; along with all that running and jumping, a lot of time, money and effort was put into showcasing the UKs incredible cultural contribution to the world.  The running and jumping might be long over, but the artistic Olympics is still going strong.

Here are a few of the best art exhibition taking place in London through the autumn and winter.

Turner Prize 2012

The Turner Prize is widely recognised as the most prestigious arts award in Europe, its perhaps even more widely recognised as the most decisive arts award in Europe.  Love it or loathe it this exhibition is sure to thrill you.  Until 6 Jan

Hollywood Costume

It’s not something you think about all the time, but costume design is an integral part of movie magic.  Think of Dorothy’s iconic red slippers in The Wizard of Oz.  At this exhibition you can learn all about the creative process that stitches together the costumes of the silver screen.  From the early days of silent cinema to the Imax CGI 3D world of modern aberrations like Avatar – we can’t like everything. Until 27 Jan

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

There is something compelling about images of the natural world, whether moving or static.  I remember being fascinated by David Attenborough’s incredible visuals feasts of wildlife as I was growing up and the love of the natural world has never left me.  This exhibition shows 100 images chosen by a jury of industry experts from over 48000 entries.  This exhibition is essential. Until 3 Mar

Rain Room

I love art that is big and tactile, that fills the senses and interacts with me on many levels.  The Rain Room created by experimental artists Random International have taken over the Barbican’s Curve Gallery to create one of their largest and most ambitious installations yet.  Rain Room does exactly what you might expect; it rains.  This 100 square meters of Rain Room responds to human sound and movement.  I love this installation, but the cynical side of me wonders if London in 2012 is the best place for a Rain Room – Que Sera, Sera. Until 3 Mar

Diamonds and Flames, 2012

I started by mentioning that big festival of running and jumping that occurred in London this year, well for a bit of symmetry I shall end on that theme.  Mark Humphrey is exhibiting work at Jumeirah Grosvenor House luxury apartments London, the works are inspired by this year’s Olympics.  Even if one is not greatly inspired by the art, you will certainly be inspired to make these splendid apartments your base for your next trip to the capital – they are just exquisite.

Have a look at this map of Top Independent Art Galleries in London.

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Four Must-See Theatre Productions Coming to Bristol This Winter

Source:Theatrestrust

With iconic venues such as the Old Vic and the Hippodrome, Bristol is a mecca for theatre-goers and families on a weekend break. An eclectic range of productions can be enjoyed here all year round, from family-oriented favourites to more daring shows designed to entertain the adults. Here is a selection of some of the best plays and productions coming to Bristol in the final quarter of 2012 and early 2013.

The Lion King

Source:atgtickets

Running at Bristol’s Hippodrome until 17th November, this theatrical phenomenon has now been seen by over 65 million people. Why? Because it’s astonishingly good, and an excellent way to enjoy an evening out on holiday, that’s why. This acclaimed production takes all the magic of the cherished Disney film and recreates it on stage. With stunning costumes and irresistibly catchy songs, The Lion King is a show that all the family will be able to appreciate. Simba’s quest to reclaim his kingdom is epically recounted, with dazzling masks and spectacular effects.

Aladdin

Source:atgtickets

Also at the Hippodrome, this Christmas extravaganza is aimed firmly at kids on their Christmas breaks – though parents may find it hard to resist the charm and good humour that permeates this production. Expect genies, wishes galore, feel-good chart songs and shouts of ‘He’s behind you!’, for no Christmas production would be complete without a pantomime villain. Aladdin runs from 7th December 2012.

The Nutcracker

Starting on 10th January 2013, the Russian State Ballet’s production of  The Nutcracker promises to be a spectacle of indescribable beauty. This fantasy ballet is a wintertime classic, evoking the true spirit of Christmas. The Russian State Ballet gracefully bring this enchanting production to life, with anthropomorphic toys battling the Nutcracker Prince. The Russian State Ballet is renowned for its impeccable productions that induce standing ovations wherever it performs. Come along to the Hippodrome and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Source:Telegraph

This Shakespearean classic begins at the Old Vic on 28th February 2013. Held in the venue’s newly-redeveloped theatre, the play addresses timeless themes that audiences can still relate to today; love, lust and laughter. As one of the Bard’s most uplifting plays, expect song, dance and lots of capers. This magical production is sure to be a popular draw and a fantastic treat as part of a short break in Bristol, but remember to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Make a night of it

If you’re planning a theatre trip to Bristol, why not make a night – or even a weekend in a quality hotel? The Radisson Blu overlooks the city centre and is within easy walking distance of the tope attractions of the city. Bristol’s legendary nightlife encompasses a vibrant array of bars, restaurants, clubs and theatres. Indulge in a spot of shopping during the day before embarking on a night on the town. After the show, enjoy a few leisurely drinks to unwind and relax.

Top 7 Donetsk Museums

Source:Orangemile

With 140 museums, Donetsk is the perfect city to spend a rainy day in. We have complied a list of our top seven museums if you’re planning a tour of the city.

If you’re one of those people who prefers to spend their holiday inside visiting museums and art galleries, then the Ukrainian city of Donetsk will probably be one of your favourite travel destinations. Home to at least 140 museums, even the most dedicated exhibition lover will have trouble finding time to squeeze them all in.

With a museum for everything, you need to have a clear plan of action. Here’s a few ideas for your cultural tour of the city.

• Football lovers can go to the FC Shakhtar Museum. It covers the history of Ukrainian football, and incorporates a wall of fame as well as a movie theatre. The ball fountain outside is also worth a look; made from granite, weighing 30 tonnes and rotated by water pressure, this statue has appeared in the Guinness book of records.

• Trainspotters will enjoy a trip to the Museum of History of Donetsk Railway, situated in the train station itself. The museum has a number of rail related exhibits, including staff uniforms and a few examples of old locomotives.

• The Museum of History of Ukrainian Industry is also worth a visit. Donetsk is an industrial town that takes pride in its heritage. This museum is home to a replica of the Mertsalov Palm; a palm tree made from metal and a symbol of the region. The original Mertsalov Palm was taken to Russia and is currently on display in St Petersburg.

• Our personal favourite is the Donetsk Museum of Local Lore. With four floors and 50 thousand exhibits cataloguing the customs and beliefs of the people of Donetsk, it’s hard to imagine ever getting bored. Collections of Ukrainian household items from every period in the region’s history make this museum particularly interesting, with pieces of Cossack jewellery to rare old shrouds.

• Similar to this is the Donetsk Museum of Local History, which contains a lot of information about the Great Patriotic War. This museum is a newcomer to the scene, having only opened in May 2012 on the Day of Victory.

• The Jewish population of Donetsk played a great role in the war and in the Jewish Community Centre, you’ll find the Museum of Jewish Heritage of Donbass. The museum has letters and books dating back to the 18^th Century as well as household items and offers an interesting insight into the life of Ukraine’s Jewish population.

• If you’re craving an art gallery, the Donetsk Regional Arts Museum makes for a great day out. The museum exhibits over 11,000 pieces of art, from painting to sculpture and everything in between. There’s even a section dedicated to foreign art, showing pieces from other European countries.

For the most efficient means of getting around, choose a hotel located in the heart of the city. The Park Inn Donetsk is close to cultural attractions, such as the Donetsk theatre, sporting venues and charming shops and cafés.

Algoma Fall Festival 2012

The Algoma Fall Festival is back once again, this time celebrating its 40^th birthday!

Held since 1973 in Sault Ste Marie, the organisers have brought together local talent from the arts and music and showcased it for the community to enjoy. There are now more performances, exhibitions and educational activities than ever in the festival. There are many Sault Ste Marie hotels so there’s no reason not to attend!

What’s more impressive is the array of talent on offer. You might fall in love with a new local talent or maybe one of the famous performers. Over the years they have attracted artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Ashley MacIsaac and Carlos Montoya to name a few. It’s testament to the popularity of the festival.

But it’s not just music artists. They’ve hosted a number of writers and comedians to puppet theatre and even mimes such as Marcel Marceau. Dance and theatre are also a crowd pleaser. Everything from ballet to orchestras have received rave reviews from attendees; there really is no telling what you’ll find.

We’ve picked out just two of our favourite performers at this year’s festival.

Nikki Yanofsky is Jazz’s newest prodigy. Despite being aged 18, her music shows maturity far beyond her years. At the age of 13, she released an Ella Fitzgerald tribute album which made everyone take notice. In 2006, she debuted at the Montreal International Festival, wowing everyone who saw her perform.  In 2010, she also had the honour of singing at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Jian Ghomeshi is a multi-talented and award-winning entertainer. He’s a writer, musician, producer and broadcaster. He may be best known for co-creating the national daily talk program, Q, on CBC Radio One and CBC TV. He’s a gifted talker which makes him a fantastic interviewer. On Q, he’s interviewed Woody Allen and Al Gore to Jay-Z and Barbara Walters. He’ll be reading from his new book, 1982, and taking questions.

We’ve made a playlist featuring all of the performers this year. Enjoy!

Who are you looking forward to seeing at this years festival?

Interact with John Baldessari – in still life

Some people find art slightly boring and pretentious.

Here is an interactive page set-up a couple of yours ago by American artist John Baldessari.

Your turn to play with this fun app : HERE.