Museums & Institutions
Rapper Little Simz Is Curating a Night of After-Hours Fun at the Tate Modern
In between DJ sets and art talks, visitors will also have access to the museum's current exhibitions.
![A photograph of British rapper Little Simz leaning pensively on her arm amidst a minimalist black background A photograph of British rapper Little Simz leaning pensively on her arm amidst a minimalist black background](https://news.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/08/Litte-Simz-by-Karolina-Wielocha-1024x683.jpg)
Once a month, the Tate Modern becomes London’s hottest club. August is no exception.
Following appearances from the Guerrila Girls and British singer-songwriter Celeste this past year alone, the Tate Modern Late after-hours party series will see British rapper Little Simz serve as its first-ever guest curator. The fast-rising superstar has arranged an unparalleled evening of dance classes, artist talks, and DJ sets from big names like Tash LC and LAOLU. Although the one-night event is entirely free, most of its workshops and artist talks require advance registration.
![An exterior nighttime view of the Tate Modern in London, crowded with partygoers](https://news.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/08/tate-late-exterior-photo-by-Diana-Agunbiade-Kolawole-1024x683.jpg)
Revelers pouring in for a Tate Modern Late. Photo by Diana Agunbiade-Kolawole, courtesy of the Tate Modern
“Since launching in 2016, Tate Modern Lates have become a cornerstone of London’s artistic nightlife,” the series’s Creative Producer Jessye Bloomfield told Artnet News over email. “Little Simz is bringing an incredible line-up that celebrates London’s creative talent and the artists and collectives who inspire her.”
The Tate Modern Late with Little Simz will take over the museum from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 31. Little Simz’s choreographer and movement director Kloé Dean will christen the function with a dance workshop in the South Tank, offering wallflowers a unique opportunity to get warm ahead of the night’s 11 DJ sets.
![A photograph of a museum gallery packed with revelers dancing before a DJ booth](https://news.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/08/Tate-Late-DJ-Set-photo-by-Richard-Eatonjpg-1024x681.jpg)
DJ set at a previous Tate Modern Late. Photo ©Richard Eaton, courtesy of the Tate Modern
If you need a break from the bass, every Tate Modern Late provides after-hours access to the institution’s exhibitions, which this month include “Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind,” activist art by Zanele Muholi, and a show of Wassily Kandinsky and company. Staff and volunteers throughout the building will host 10-minute talks sharing their insights into artworks on display from the Tate’s permanent collection, too.
But, the ticketed happenings are the true centerpiece. Little Simz will join broadcaster Clara Amfo at 8 p.m. for a talk at the Starr Cinema, commencing with a mysterious “exclusive screening.” Meanwhile, three marathon “Art Chats” will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. in the Blavatnik building, featuring installation artist Es Devlin, novelist Caleb Azumah Nelson, and more in conversation with British model Natalie Suliman-Richardson. Artist Fiona Quadri and movement expert Ayanna Birch will teach zine-making and bodywork classes just upstairs within the same time frame. Registration for these events opens on August 30 through the Museum.
![A photograph of a crowded art workshop at the Tate Modern London, where guests surround a table stocked with art supplies](https://news.artnet.com/app/news-upload/2024/08/Tate-Late-workshop-photo-Dan-Weill-1024x683.jpg)
A workshop at a previous Tate Modern Late. Photo by Dan Weill, courtesy of the Tate Modern
To keep the party experience spontaneous, however, this Tate Modern Late will also offer three drop-in workshops: writing with Caroline Adeyemi, drawing with JK Cartoon Studios, and parachute play with Elena Ooijman, who Tate Modern Late sponsor Swatch selected in an open call this spring.
Start queuing up your looks, because this night promises to be one for the books.
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