Art and Culture Recommendations: Music, Film and Exhibition
Art and culture recommendations in the UK this Summer 2026
A personal round-up of UK art and culture recommendations, including new music, film, photography books, exhibitions, creative podcasts and summer festivals. The below was originally published in Tribute Magazine for Spring/Summer 2026.
1/ Music: Lana Del Rey
I’m a huge Lana Del Rey fan, that’s certainly no secret. And her latest release definitely hasn’t disappointed. Suitably melancholic and romantic, ‘White Feather Hawk Tale Deer Hunter’ is the first new music we’ve had from Lana since April 2025 and is a teaser for her upcoming album ‘Stove’ which is due to be released later this year. The song is mystical, breathy and orchestral and has a truly magical quality to it. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long for the rest of the album.
2/ Film: Marty Supreme
After a hugely successful theatre release ‘Marty Supreme’ has finally become available on UK streaming services – for those that missed it or for those itching to watch it again already. I was floored by Timothée Chalamet’s performance in this fast paced, brilliantly intense drama about a young, up and coming ping-pong player as he chases success. The film is dramatic and gripping – five stars from me!
3/ Podcast: Creative Blood Podcast with Quentin Jones
https://creativeblood.com/podcast/quentin-jones
I’ve always hugely admired the work of Quentin Jones – photographer, filmmaker, collage artist (the list goes on!). She has an incredibly unique style that is instantly recognisable. Her recent interview on the Creative Blood podcast is a brilliant listen and gives a great insight into her latest venture launching brand House of Quentin Jones – a beautiful collection of objects crafted in her classic QJ style. I love any insight into the workings of a creative’s mind, and this episode feels like a real deep dive.
4/ Exhibition: I Need To Be More Than A Lesson You Learned
https://dis-place.art/i-need-to-be-more-than-a-lesson-you-learned/
Disability Arts Online is a UK based charity led by disabled people whose mission is to ‘champion disability arts and culture’. The organisation has curated their first online exhibition featuring the work of nine artists or collectives that explores disabled lived experience in relation to ableist approaches to inclusion. The online space is designed to be explored like a gallery, moving from room to room, and is a brilliant exhibition that showcases a multitude of mediums. The show is poignant and eye opening, and I love this approach to creating accessible spaces for people to experience art.
5/ Book: Tom Porter - Catch Sight Of
https://www.kampabc.com/shop/catch-sight-of
I recently had the honour of joining my friend and long-time lighting assistant Tom Porter for an evening at the Photobook Café in Shoreditch to celebrate the launch of his new book – ‘Catch Sight Of’. Tom has a unique and captivating approach to photography and capturing the beauty of everyday objects in an exciting and remarkable way. I was overjoyed to celebrate in his success on the night, and would implore any lovers of art and photography to pick up a copy of his risograph printed book, published by Kamp ABC.
6/ Listen: Radio 4 - This Cultural Life
Even more fantastic, insightful interviews with influential creatives! Like Creative Blood, This Cultural Life is a collection of in-depth discussions with brilliant artists, writers, musicians, directors, and so many more. Hosted by John Wilson, the series boasts an impressive back catalogue of episodes. It’s hard to pick favourites but I can’t help being drawn to the film and photography chats, making Werner Herzog (filmmaker), Guillermo del Toro (filmmaker) and Annie Leibovitz (photographer) some frontrunners for me. Check it out on BBC Radio 4.
7/ Exhibition: Tracey Emin - A Second Life
Dame Tracey Emin is a Kent legend - her artwork has sparked controversy and public debate over the 40 years she has practiced. Until the end of August the Tate Modern are hosting an exhibition that spans her entire career, showing a huge collection of works including those not exhibited before. Whether you’re an Emin fan or not I’d highly recommend taking this opportunity to see this collection of her life’s work!
8/ Festival: End Of The Road Festival
With Summer approaching we’re coming back into festival season. Long days in the sun listening to live music - absolutely dreamy. Tying them all off in September is End Of The Road festival - and shout out to my Studio Manager Mary who’s heading up the decor department! The line up looks amazing (Pulp, CMAT, Mac DeMarco) and you can sign off your summer in the beautifully decorated Larmer Tree gardens (and spot some of Mary’s handiwork while you’re in there).
