The exhibitions you must see this August
From sculptures you can cuddle to Radiohead's creative legacy, dive into our must-see exhibitions this August.
Take time for yourself this summer as we spotlight our top six exhibitions opening across the UK.
From a playful installation of squishy animal sculptures that you can cuddle, to a look at the cultural milieu of the millennium, these exhibitions promise to keep you entertained and inspired.
Can you spot the two exhibitions that have been supported by grants from Art Fund? Those would not have been possible without the support of every person who has purchased a National Art Pass. Pretty cool, right?
Just don't forget to pack your pass to make savings at lots of the venues listed.
Discover must-see exhibitions with an Art Pass
Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years
Experience the largest ever indoor exhibition by Andy Goldsworthy, including over 200 works. An artist who creates with natural materials, from clay and stone to snow and ice, Goldsworthy's work unpacks our relationship with the land. And for this special exhibition, he has created a unique, immersive installation that responds to the Royal Scottish Academy's building.
Pippa Hale: Pet Project
Get playful at Pippa Hale's Pet Project, where you can cuddle larger than life squishy cats and dogs inspired by the Bowes Museum's collection of ceramic pet figurines. After you've got hands-on with these interactive works of art, dive into the museum's ceramics collection, displayed alongside pet ceramics donated by members of the public. And did you know? These newly commissioned sculptures have been supported by a grant from Art Fund.
Tiaki Ora ∞ Protecting Life: Anton Forde
Marvel at 81 monumental wooden sculptures by Anton Forde. Each hand carved sculpture stands over eight feet tall, and incorporates historic Māori figures from the Sainsbury Centre's collection. The work spotlights the Māori community's peaceful resistance to a British colonial invasion in 1881 in Parihaka, New Zealand. And, it demonstrates the importance and power of non-violent collective action when safeguarding future communities.
Tai Shani: The Spell or The Dream
Imagine new futures with contemporary artist Tai Shani, who has created a spellbinding sculpture that sleeps through catastrophes and dreams up alternative visions of the future. Alongside this Art Fund-supported work is a 24/7 radio station, broadcasting original contributions from artists, writers and philosophers.
This Is What You Get: Stanley Donwood, Radiohead, Thom Yorke
Uncover the artistic vision and creative journey of Radiohead's Thom Yorke and artist Stanley Donwood, who have collaborated for 30 years. Dive into over 180 objects, including original paintings, album covers, digital works, drawings and handwritten lyrics.
Guy Oliver: Millennial Prayer
In his new essay film Millennial Prayer, Guy Oliver asks what it means to have grown up at the turn of the millennium. Born in 1982, Oliver experienced an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood, alongside his first generation millennial peers, such as Beyoncé, Mark Zuckerberg and Amy Winehouse. Join the artist as he unpacks the cultural milieu of this unique moment in recent history, and how it tapped into masculine identity and subcultures.