London’s West End is set to shine brighter than ever as Art of London launches its late-night arts festival, Art After Dark, running from 3–10 February 2026. The programme blends public art, music, and interactive cultural experiences, transforming the heart of the city into a playground of colour, sound, and creativity.
The festival opened with a seven-metre-high public art installation by acclaimed artist Lakwena Maciver in Piccadilly Circus. Titled Rise and Shine, the installation features 30 stacked, glowing disco lightboxes that celebrate London’s vibrant nightlife and carnival culture. Accompanied by a soundtrack of hip-hop, funk, and soul, Maciver’s work references the energetic nightlife of the 1980s and 1990s, a formative era for music genres from hip-hop to drum and bass.
Strategically situated at one of the West End’s most iconic landmarks, the artwork transforms Piccadilly Circus’s analogue history into a vivid kaleidoscope of colours. Custom digital visuals, including a shimmering white dove, are displayed across major screens such as Piccadilly Lights and The Screen in Leicester Square, inviting passersby to pause, engage, and enjoy the spectacle.
PARTY After Dark at the National Gallery
Music lovers will be drawn to the festival’s highlight: PARTY After Dark on Thursday 5 February, hosted at the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing. The evening features live DJ sets from Bimini (Bimini Bon-Boulash), French-Canadian DJ Karaba, and emerging artist Mia Lily.
Bimini, who rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, brings an eclectic mix of electronic, pop, and club music, while Karaba combines her dance background and international influences into deep, hypnotic rhythms. Mia Lily kicks off the evening with an electronic opening set in the Sainsbury Wing foyer. Together, these performances transform the gallery into a dynamic late-night music experience. Tickets for PARTY After Dark are available here.
Bimini commented:
“The idea of performing in The National Gallery feels surreal in the best way. Walking in as a queer artist and making noise in a space that’s usually so quiet feels incredible. Art isn’t meant to sit still—it’s meant to start conversations, and if that conversation involves dancing alongside a Van Gogh, I’m fully here for it!”
Gallery HOP! and Late-Night Cultural Experiences
Art After Dark is part of Art of London’s free arts programme, designed to bring the West End to life with interactive public art, late-night gallery openings, and after-hours cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy Gallery HOP!, a series of self-guided and guided tours across St James’s independent galleries, including Cristea Roberts Gallery, The Mayor Gallery, and Iconic Images Gallery.
Additionally, Friday Lates will take place at the National Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery, and the Royal Academy of Arts, offering immersive after-hours access to world-class exhibitions.
Nightlife, Drinks, and Exclusive Experiences
Beyond galleries, Art After Dark offers curated nightlife experiences, including live performances and special offers at venues such as the Hard Rock Café London, The London Reign Showclub, BOX Piccadilly, and Haymarket Hotel.
Food and drink enthusiasts can enjoy a limited-edition rum-based “Rise and Shine” cocktail created in collaboration with Lakwena exclusively for Estiatorio Milos London, along with an exclusive Q&A with the artist at the Apple Store Regent Street.
Lakwena Maciver said of her installation:
“I wanted this installation to be a space where people could stop, look, and feel a bit of joy together. Piccadilly Circus is such a busy, everyday place, and turning it into something playful with colour, light, and music gives the city an experience everyone can share.”
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Art of London, added:
“Art After Dark is about creating standout late-night moments that showcase the West End in new and unexpected ways. Nightlife is part of the West End’s DNA, so putting music centre stage to celebrate the area’s vibrant arts and culture scene is a natural fit.”
Paul Gray, Deputy Director and COO of the National Gallery, said:
“Hosting the after-hours DJ event lets people see the Gallery in a completely different way—listening to music, experiencing the space with fresh eyes.”
Art After Dark returns with its annual programme led by Lakwena Maciver from 3–10 February 2026. For the full programme, tickets, and more information, visit: artofthelondon.co.uk/artafterdark.
