As the UK prepares to fight Coronavirus by staying at home, the culture vultures amongst you may be struggling with the possibility of a lot of time indoors. Fear not, Contrary Life has put together some suggestions of how to get your fix of exhibitions, gigs and more, without leaving the safety of your sofa.
Art & Exhibitions
Museums and galleries are busy adding content to their websites as we write, enabling the public to access their collections, archives, talks and more.
A few examples that we’ve spotted via Twitter in the last few days include Senate House Library’s new exhibition, Childhood in Dickensian London, which is available to explore online, and the Royal Society’s digital resource with virtual exhibits, people of science and discoveries.
Wakefield’s Hepworth Gallery has its own YouTube channel with past exhibitions and artists talks galore, and the Ashmolean Museum has come up with #IsolationCreations on Twitter, asking for your creative responses to a new object each day.
Looking for something a bit quirky? Find out about the Whipple Museum’s frogs, check out some street art courtesy of Hookedblog, or watch the National Mining Museum’s winding engine in action. Too niche? Well, how about exploring the collections at Glasgow Women’s Library or Edinburgh’s Surgeons Hall Museums? And finally, if you like maps and history, check out Layers of London.
Eating & Drinking
Independent shops, bakeries, pubs and restaurants are trying to keep their heads above water in these worrying times. Many are coming up with new delivery and take out options so that you can still support your local businesses whilst following government advice.
Supermarkets are best avoided at the moment anyway, so Twitter is a great place to see what’s available for delivery near you, from cheese to beer, you can pretty much get all the essentials. Want to support your local bar and make sure it stays open for when all this blows over? Many bars are offering the opportunity to buy a tab, which is a great investment all round (some are even throwing in some extra incentives), Port Street Beer House is one such enterprising pub.
Swapping dining out for eating in? London’s Borough Market has created a community space for sharing recipes, videos and tips, so you can connect and cook.
Theatre & Shows
As the theatres temporarily close their doors, you can still get some thespian action by renting a show in the same way as you would a film.
Looking for something to make you laugh and take your mind off the world events? Head over to the Cosmic Shambles Network for an excellent mix of comedy, science, music and chat.
Talks, Courses & Workshops
Movement practitioner Gillian Hipp is offering free 15 minute movement sessions, which offer a break from home working, family stresses and probably coach potato issues.
Gresham College has begun live streaming its lectures, the first one Charles II: The Court in Exile, is online now.
Music & Gigs
Don’t worry music lovers, we’ll spare you from the likes of Bono as you pace around the lounge in frustration. Thankfully Rufus Wainwright is filling his spare time by bringing you the Robe Recitals and live venue Jimmy’s is raising spirits with their Isolation Gigs. For something a little less mainstream, the lovely Cafe Oto is live streaming gigs to help those stuck at home.
Sad that your favourite festival or band’s tour has been cancelled? Good news, you can get your fix via the #StayAtHomeFestival and support live music at the same time!
Add your virtual and online events to our round-up by dropping us the details via info@contrarylife.com – we’re happy to promote whatever you have going on/available for the soon to be bored public!