Quote of the Week - “To create a work of art is to create the world” - Kandinsky

Good Afternoon, London. In this edition of The London Palette, Wandsworth invites you to dust of your dancing shoes as it’s time for ballet, Bollywood and lindy-hop. Take a stroll down Delhi’s artistic memory lane. Delight your tastebuds with our city’s first ever vegan carvery. Then, jam out at Jool Holland’s musical showdown. Plus, the Hindi word of the week shares how to live fully!

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. Feel the Heat At Ruskin Park’s New Sauna

2. Celebrate Art and Rave Culture at The Tate

3. Life Begins Again at 87, Arpita Singh Shows How

4. Live Music incl., Aswad, Kamasi Washington & more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Wandsworth Dances Into Spectacular Cultural View

Wandsworth officially kicked off its year as London Borough of Culture 2025 on Tuesday, with a celebration at the Royal Albert Hall featuring the 1,000-strong Wandsworth Primary Choir and Wandsworth Philharmonic Orchestra. These are the first brilliant fragments in what will become a year-long cultural kaleidoscope.

The first major event of this cultural mosaic will be Strictly Wandsworth, taking place on Saturday, April 26 in Battersea Park. This dance extravaganza, hosted by two-time Strictly Professional Champion Oti Mabuse with a DJ set from Gok Wan, represents the turning point where the borough's kaleidoscope of talents begins to form its most vibrant patterns.

Like a perfectly crafted rainbow where diverse elements create beautiful designs when viewed together, the event brings together 200 dancers from 22 local organisations in performances spanning ballet, Bollywood, lindy-hop, line dancing, and breakdancing. World-renowned choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, who worked on the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, has created the centrepiece performance where each dance style represents a unique piece of Wandsworth's cultural identity.

Highlights include performances by Tavaziva Dance, London Children's Ballet, Bolly Flex, Gully LDN, The Country Roses, and The Lindy Hop Dance Company. The day will culminate in a mass dance finale led by dancer, choreographer, and TikTok star Patience J, and everyone can join in. This fusion creates a living, breathing blend of community spirit.

Wandsworth received £1.35 million from the Mayor of London to fund its Borough of Culture year, which will feature numerous other elements in this cultural celebration including Wandsworth Arts Fringe from June 6 - 22, Battersea Park in Concert with Jools Holland from August 23 - 25, and celebrations of the Clapham Grand's 125th birthday.

The Borough of Culture initiative, launched by Sadiq Khan in 2017, aims to use "the power of culture to unite communities, transform young people's lives and boost the local economy." Just as a kaleidoscope creates something more vibrant when its diverse elements move in harmony.

Find out more here - https://welcometowandsworth.com/events

CITY PALETTE

Delhi's Dreamweaver Finally Gets London Spotlight

If you've ever wanted to be transported to the colourful streets of Delhi, now is your chance. You can take a ride through Arpita Singh's ground-breaking exhibition "Remembering" at Serpentine North Gallery. This is her first institutional show outside of India. At 87 years old, Arpita has finally received the international recognition she deserves after decades of being overlooked by Western institutions despite her status as one of India's most significant living artists.

In this rare opportunity you’ll see six decades of Arpita's mesmerising work, from large-scale oils to intimate watercolors. Born in 1937 in West Bengal, she creates dreamlike labyrinths where the everyday and mythical collide. Her distinctive style blends Surrealism with Indian miniature traditions, creating maplike paintings where it seems there is something to see in every centimetre. The exhibition includes her breakthrough 1985 work "My Mother," which marked her shift from abstraction to her now-signature figurative style after a creative crisis in the early 1980s.

Since the 1990s, Arpita has fearlessly explored motherhood, feminine sensuality, and the impact of political upheaval on women's psychology. She says, "I always paint the things I see and experience every day." Her monumental 16-panel work "Wish Dream" 1990 stands as the exhibition's centrepiece. This sprawling 24-foot masterpiece that took three years to complete and explores female desire, violence, and power through a dreamlike narrative featuring floating women, airplanes, and weapons. Arpita has influenced five generations of Indian artists.

Don't miss this chance to step into Arpita's world, one where, as she puts it, "there is a law, but that law is according to me." Your cultural calendar and artistic soul will thank you. Head over to the Serpentine North Gallery to take in this free exhibition, it runs until July 27. And, it finally gives this pioneering artist the international platform she has long deserved. As Arpita herself reflects on this late-career recognition "It's never too late to be discovered."

Find out more here - https://www.serpentinegalleries.org

Unity Diner Reopens With First-Ever Plant Carvery

Vegan food lovers, one of your favourite diners is ready to make the comeback of the year. Unity Diner, London's beloved plant-based eatery, is throwing open its doors again this Friday, April 4 after what seemed like a permanent closure just three months ago.

Founded by animal activist and vegan influencer Ed Winters, otherwise know as Earthling Ed, this Spitalfields institution has been saved by a combination of successful landlord negotiations, investment from a co-founder, and overwhelming community support during what turned out to be their biggest month in six years.

The revamped menu will feature all your favourite plant-based classics like their award-winning tofish and chips, mac and cheese, and burgers. Plus, exciting new additions fresh off their charcoal grill. And they have another surprise in store, from April 20, they'll be launching London's first ever 100% vegan Sunday carvery.

While Ed is stepping back to focus on new projects, the restaurant's ethos remains unchanged, namely serving delicious vegan food while raising funds for Surge Sanctuary. It’s heart warming mission is, “To offer a lifelong, no kill, safe haven and forever home to abused and unwanted animals.”

This not-for-profit diner proves that plant-based eating can be as good for your conscience as it is for your taste buds. Don't miss being part of this spectacular comeback story. Your weekend dining plans just got a whole lot more exciting.

Find out more here - https://www.unitydiner.co.uk

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Ruskin Park's Nordic Oasis Offers Heated Wellness

As you continue to centre wellbeing as part of your daily life, here's a steamy new addition to your wellness routine. Ruskin Park's former depot area is transforming into a Nordic-inspired oasis as Community Sauna Baths opens its doors with a launch party on April 16, with regular sessions starting the following day.

This hidden gem in Camberwell features three saunas including one fully accessible option, multiple plunge pools, treatment spaces, and hot showers. They’re all nestled within the tranquil greenery of one of South London's most beautiful parks. Operating Thursday through Monday from 8am to 7:30pm, it's the perfect spot to melt away stress while reconnecting with nature.

As a not-for-profit community interest company, they're committed to making wellness accessible to everyone with affordable pricing ranging from £9.50 off-peak to £16.50 peak and impressive social initiatives. They work with NHS trusts to provide free sessions for those who need them most and offer concessionary rates for students and Blue Light Card holders.

"We believe the health benefits of sauna bathing should be accessible to everyone," says Polly Joy Wilson, their Social Prescribing Manager. Since launching in 2021, Community Sauna Baths have served over 250,000 visitors across London, proving that communal wellness doesn't have to break the bank. Head to South London, your mind, body, and wallet will thank you for discovering this steamy sanctuary.

Find out more here - https://www.community-sauna.co.uk

LONDON BUZZ

Tate Modern Turns 25 And Art Meets Rave Culture

Remember when art galleries were stuffy, silent spaces where you'd get shushed for laughing too loudly? Tate Modern is throwing that notion out of its industrial-sized windows this May with a birthday bash that's more festival than fine art viewing.

The brutalist beauty on Bankside turns 25 this year and is celebrating with a four-day "Birthday Weekender" from May 9 - 12 that transforms the former power station into London's most culturally-charged party venue. Louise Bourgeois' iconic 10-metre spider "Maman" returns to its original perch, while DJs from Peckham's Jumbi and South Asian collective DAYTIMERS keep the Turbine Hall pulsating until late.

This celebration reflects how Tate Modern has revolutionised London's cultural landscape since 2000, exploding the canon of art history and rewriting the rules for what a museum can be. In just 25 years, it's become the world's most visited modern art museum, welcoming over 4.5 million visitors annually and democratising contemporary art for new generations.

"Tate Modern's birthday isn't just a moment to reflect on 25 years at the cutting edge – it's a chance to keep pushing artistic boundaries," says Director Karin Hindsbo, highlighting the institution's forward-looking approach. The weekend features live tarot readings, AI-generated futures by Lawrence Lek, and performances responding to ecological crises alongside classics like Warhol's Marilyn Diptych.

As London's cultural institutions face funding challenges and declining visitor numbers since the pandemic, Tate Modern's ability to attract diverse audiences through free programming and accessible experiences offers a blueprint for cultural sustainability. The gallery that transformed a derelict power station into a global arts destination continues generating cultural electricity for the next quarter-century.

The weekend that combines Rothko with rave culture proves that in our city's ever-evolving cultural scene, the most revolutionary art spaces are those that power connections between tradition and innovation, high culture and street energy, contemplation and celebration.

Find out more here - https://www.tate.org.uk

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Beck Theatre - April 4

Pink Floyd fanatics, rejoice as the UK's premier tribute act, Think Floyd, hits The Beck Theatre to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here. Endorsed by Pink Floyd's Nick Mason as "better than we are," these talented musicians faithfully recreate the band's atmosphere and musical excellence. You can expect a complete rendition of Wish You Were Here, plus classics from The Dark Side of The Moon and The Wall. With mind-blowing lasers and note perfect performances, it's a must for Floyd fans. As one reviewer put it: "Close your eyes and you're with Waters and Co. This band are brilliant!"

Book tickets here - https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/beck-theatre

Boisdale of Canary Wharf - April 9 and 12

Fancy witnessing 60 fingers dancing across 88 keys in a musical showdown? Jools Holland's annual Boogie Woogie and Blues Spectacular returns to Boisdale and it's the piano party of the year. Jools brings together a keyboard dream team featuring piano wizard Axel Zwingenberger, stride piano master Neville Dickie, rising star Tom Seals, and the remarkable Ladyva. Backing them will be Jools's longtime collaborator from his Squeeze days, drummer Gilson Lavis, alongside the rhythm section from his famous Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. What makes this night unmissable is the spectacular finale where all pianists engage in a boogie woogie battle. Previous attendees call it "a dazzling display of technique and rhythm."

Reggae royalty takes over Canary Wharf because Britain's most successful reggae band, Aswad, brings their legendary sound to Boisdale on April 12. You’re in for an unforgettable night of roots and rhythm. Since forming in West London in 1974, these pioneers have collaborated with icons like Bob Marley and Burning Spear, earning them the nickname Young Wailers from Bunny Wailer himself. Their remarkable journey spans from early roots classics like Back to Africa to mainstream hits including the chart-topping Don't Turn Around and Shine. With their signature blend of dancehall, funk, and dub, Aswad delivers what Vibe Magazine calls a sound that "seems set to shine for years to come."

Book tickets here - https://www.boisdale.co.uk/locations

Crazy Coqs - April 11

There’s a spellbinding night waiting for Jazz enthusiasts, with the sounds of the Sierra Leonean sensation Gwyn Jay Allen. Along with his band, this BAFTA-nominated multi-instrumentalist, fresh from his BBC appearance with Romesh Ranganathan, showcases his new EP The Return. With packed performances at Ronnie Scott's and The Royal Albert Hall under his belt, Gwyn's unique global perspective infuses his jazz with distinctive character.

Book tickets here - https://www.brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs

02 Academy Brixton - April 13

Prepare for a cosmic jazz odyssey with Kamasi Washington. The LA-based saxophonist extraordinaire brings his Fearless Movement tour, showcasing an album that redefines jazz boundaries with danceable grooves and high-octane solos. Featuring collaborations with Thundercat, George Clinton, and André 3000, this isn't your typical jazz night. Kamasi pushes the genre into thrilling new territories, blending cosmic jazz, funk, and soul. With support from Emma-Jean Thackray and VENNA, this is an unmissable celebration of musical innovation. Don't let this chance to witness jazz's most exciting voice slip away.

Book tickets here - https://www.academymusicgroup.com

Pizza Express Soho - April 9

Jazz lovers, get your funk on and celebrate one of the most versatile keyboard wizards to ever grace the planet. The legendary George Duke gets a well-deserved tribute at Pizza Express Jazz Club. This musical journey through George’s extraordinary career covers everything from his wild days with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention to his chart-topping collaborations with Stanley Clarke and Billy Cobham. The man who brought us the funk classic Reach For It and the Brazilian-influenced masterpiece A Brazilian Love Affair left an indelible mark on jazz, funk, soul, and R&B before his passing in 2013. This celebration promises impeccable ensemble playing with funk, groovy jazz and major Brazilian vibes that'll transport you straight back to the golden age of jazz-funk.

Pizza Express Holborn - April 11

Craving a musical cocktail that'll blow your mind? Ese and The Vooduu People return to Holborn with their explosive show Dynamite and the name isn't just for show. This Bermondsey-born powerhouse of Nigerian heritage leads a truly international collective that transforms this intimate basement venue into a melting pot of rock, soul, funk, jazz and Afrobeat. Ese brings raw authenticity to every performance alongside her carefully selected musical collaborators from across the globe. Their two-set, 19-song extravaganza promises musical fireworks that previous audiences have called "spectacular" when they "catch fire" and reach "boiling point."

Book tickets here - https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com

Ronnie Scott’s - April 6 and 12

Ronnie Scott's monthly Blues Explosion returns this Sunday. And if you’re a blues lover, then it's the perfect excuse to end your weekend on a high note. This Soho institution brings together a dream team of blues virtuosos – Marcus Bonfanti and Tony Remy trading blistering guitar licks while Paddy Milner works his magic on the piano. Together with a killer rhythm section and horn players, they'll transport you through the soulful sounds of BB King, Buddy Guy, Peter Green, and Dr. John. The real thrill is you never know who might jump on stage to join them. Previous nights have seen surprise appearances from Eric Burdon, Pee Wee Ellis, and Sarah-Jane Morris, making each show a unique experience.

Jazz royalty graces Soho this Saturday lunchtime, when the extraordinary Jacqui Dankworth brings her Songs and Stories brunch on April 12. Join this MBE-honoured vocalist as she celebrates her new album Windmills alongside multi-award winning Ian Shaw. Expect intimate performances, fascinating conversation, and a rare Q&A session. Before becoming one of our finest singers, Jacqui wowed audiences at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Now, she'll dazzle you with her versatility spanning jazz, folk, soul, and blues. So swap your regular weekend plans for this musical feast.

Book tickets here - https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk

Soul Mama - April 5

The legendary Dele Sosimi brings his explosive Afrobeat Orchestra to Soul Mama. Hackney-born Dele learned directly from the source, playing keyboards in Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 band before helping launch Femi Kuti's Positive Force. For over four decades, he's kept authentic Afrobeat alive with his intoxicating blend of complex funk grooves, Nigerian rhythms, and virtuoso keyboard skills. This musical heavyweight has performed from Montreux Jazz Festival to Mexico, and served as Afrobeat consultant for the National Theatre's "Fela!" production. Ditch your Saturday plans and dive into a world of hypnotic percussion, blazing horns, and irresistible polyrhythms.

Book tickets here - https://www.soulmama.co.uk

St. Paul’s Church - April 10

Musical theatre lovers, here’s a night that'll make your heart sing. Musicals by Candlelight returns to the historic Actors' Church, transforming this hidden gem into a magical realm of melody and candlelight. Picture 1,000 flickering candles illuminating the iconic songs of Les Misérables, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, and West Side Story, all performed by the award-winning Icon Strings Quartet. These world-class musicians, fresh from the stages of the Royal Opera House and Royal Albert Hall, will breathe new life into your favourite showtunes with their emotive string arrangements.

Book tickets here - https://actorschurch.org

The Exchange - April 5

Ready for some serious six-string sorcery? The Antonio Forcione Quartet swoops into The Exchange and your ears are in for a treat. Imagine Antonio the "Jimi Hendrix of acoustic guitar," leading his globe-trotting dream team on a musical journey from jazz to flamenco and beyond. Jenny Adejayan's cello will make you weep, Matheus Nova's bass will get your feet tapping, and Jansen Santana's drums will have you dancing in the aisles. Together, they have been selling out shows worldwide and earning 5-star Edinburgh Festival reviews. Expect everything from Antonio's original compositions to funky takes on Stevie Wonder and The Police.

Book tickets here - https://www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk

The Jazz Cafe - April 7

Enjoy a magical Monday night at The Jazz Cafe when it honours Lady Day on what would be her 110th birthday. It’s time to celebrate the woman who revolutionised American music, Billie Holiday, whose distinctive phrasing and emotional depth changed jazz forever. The evening showcases Billie's groundbreaking catalogue from God Bless the Child to the haunting Strange Fruit, the anti-lynching ballad later named Song of the Century. Accomplished pianist Alex Webb leads this tribute with rising star Riketté Genesis channeling Billie’s unmistakable voice. They'll recreate the magic of an artist whose influence spans generations.

Book tickets here - https://thejazzcafe.com

Vortex Jazz Club - April 6

Let the London Jazz Orchestra create your perfect Sunday afternoon plan, with its heartfelt tribute to John Taylor. This extraordinary pianist and composer, left us a decade ago. This special commemoration celebrates the self-taught virtuoso who, alongside Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone in the Azimuth trio, created what critics called "one of the most delicately balanced chamber-jazz groups." The Orchestra will perform John's sophisticated Quatorze Suite alongside works from his successors Pete Saberton, Alcyona Mick and director Scott Stroman's homage "JT23."

Book tickets here - https://www.vortexjazz.co.uk

BUSINESS SCENE

A Business Battlefield Filled With Opportunity

Ever wondered what happens when you put 19 award categories, hundreds of ambitious entrepreneurs, and a room full of networking opportunities into one evening? You can find out at The Ark in Hammersmith on April 10 as the West London Chambers of Commerce kicks off its prestigious Business Awards 2025. This launch event is more than just champagne and canapés.

Beyond being a business awards programme, it's the twelfth iteration of a celebration that's become the commercial heartbeat of West London. With applications now open across 19 categories including two new additions "Apprentice Employer of the Year" and "Women in Business Award", the competition represents a strategic opportunity for businesses across Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, and beyond.

What makes this year's awards particularly significant is their timing. By launching amid London's post-pandemic commercial renaissance it’s an opportunity for visibility and recognition that can translate directly to growth. Previous winners have reported substantial increases in business inquiries, with one participant noting that their victory "opened doors we'd been knocking on for years."

The launch event serves as both information session and a high-value networking opportunity. While the actual awards ceremony won't take place until November 21st at Novotel London West, savvy business owners know that the connections made at the launch often prove just as valuable as the trophies themselves.

For entrepreneurs interested in women's empowerment and community involvement, the new "Women in Business Award" category offers a perfect alignment with values of diversity and inclusion that increasingly drive business success in 2025. Whoever gains recognition in November, this launch event is the first step towards joing their ranks.

Find out more here - https://awards.westlondon.com

Creator Catalysts - Funding and Resources

Sound Art and Experimental Music Artists-in-Residence

You're invited to apply for the 2026 Sound Art and Experimental Music Artists-in-Residence Open Call. You'll enjoy a private live / work studio with dedicated facilities for rehearsing, recording, and performing your innovative works. If you're U.S.-based, you'll receive a $1,250 monthly stipend, $750 travel stipend, and $2,500 materials budget. If on the other hand you’re an international artist, you can get reimbursed for qualified expenses including airfare and meals. As one of two selected artists, this is an opportunity to expand the field of sound art and experimental music with comprehensive financial, technical, and administrative support throughout your residency.

Entry fee - $40

Closing date - April 14 2025

Apply here - https://bemis.slideroom.com

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK

English Word:
Ennui
Pronunciation: /ɒnˈwiː/
Definition:  A feeling of listlessness, dissatisfaction, and lack of interest arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
Cultural Note: This borrowed French term entered English in the 18th century and reflects the existential boredom experienced by the privileged classes.

Hindi Word:
जिजीविषा (Jijivisha)
Pronunciation: /dʒɪdʒiːvɪʃɑː/
Definition:  The intense desire to live and thrive fully, despite adversity.
Cultural Note: It carries deeper spiritual and emotional dimensions, reflecting the Hindu understanding of life as something to be fully experienced rather than merely endured.

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