DJs, Daiquiris and Degas: The cultural night out is on the rise

Malou Baumann on 24 August 2023

A cultural night out seems to be the definition of an oxymoron at first glance, especially to young people in the UK. Yet, it seems to be the alternative answer for everyone who doesn’t want to spend valuable free time jammed in between school classes, tourists and senior citizens just to look at some dusty old paintings. According to a survey by the Education Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), the main barriers for young people not to visit a museum are a lack of time in which culture is not considered a priority and the lack of an attractive and appealing cultural offer. 

Museums are now looking to tear these barriers down: 2023 has seen a growing trend to incorporate evening entertainment into art establishments: Various museums across London and the rest of the country have transformed their strategies from offering only day time access towards extending their opening hours hence facilitating evening entertainment.

While it might sound absurd to have a renowned museum, such as the National Portrait Gallery, turn into a cocktail bar during after-hours, the intention behind this concept is to transition into a new era of art, opening up culture to younger generations; in a fun and modern way. 

Saatchi Gallery in southwest London recently introduced Saatchi Lates, a series of after-hours events inviting visitors to partake in a variety of workshops and life drawing sessions, while enjoying a drink on the side. In the context of their current exhibitions Beyond the Streets of London, the next event is scheduled for Friday 28th April, featuring a spoken word performance, a graffiti workshop and a DJ set.

Another famous spot for the contemporary arts, the Tate Modern, features the Queer and Now Festival on their What’s On section. The free event which is set to celebrate LGBTQIA+ art and culture in June offers a range of pop-talks, performances, workshops and, of course, DJs.

The after-hours opening spree does not, however, restrict itself to contemporary art galleries: The National Gallery offers a whole set of student takeovers, art and comedy nights and show previews as part of their Friday Lates experience. Catching onto the late-night trend, the National Portrait Gallery is set to reopen its doors again in June. After a big refurbishment and a 3-year closure, the gallery will introduce their visitors to Audrey Green, a cafe at daytime transitioning into a cocktail bar during the evening hours. Featuring a number of events ranging from theatre to dance. The bar is said to be accessible via a hidden entrance off Charing Cross Road.

Workshops, student takeovers, live music and cocktails: While some members of the traditional clientele might respond negatively to a transformation of such size, it is important to remember that the art itself is not being altered, just the environment in which it is perceived: an opportunity to breathe life into an otherwise arguably dusty museum. 

The offer of after-hours experiences in museums and art galleries does therefore not reflect a competition to the intrinsic values of the arts per se but should be understood as an advocate for the very same, facilitating access to a more diverse audience. `it gives young people or anyone who is interested the opportunity to transform a regular night out into a cultural night out. 

Crime in Student Populated Areas Peaks During Easter Break

Malou Baumann on 1 May 2023

It is no secret that student populated areas are favoured targets for criminals: As reported by Whatuni, every 3rd student in the UK is estimated to fall victim to crime with research placing burglary on the top of the list. 

This easter, the crime rate in Hyde Park and adjacent areas has reached a peak: Break ins, burglaries and people peeping through bedroom windows with torches have ripped students of their right to feel safe and secure in their own homes.

Countless incidents were reported on the LSG group in an attempt to warn fellow students: Statements by victims, such as “I feel like, as students, we’re a bit helpless with this”, call for more efficient support from universities, landlords and the police. Those affected have expressed to feel shaken up, constantly on edge and scared in their own homes.

A third-year student at Leeds Conservatoire, whose house got broken into near the Co Up in Hyde Park around 2 am on the 19th of April, has told the Gryphon that due to stories from friends and posts on LSG, she has always been very aware of the crime threat in Hyde Park, making her more conscious to lock doors. Yet, during the early hours of Tuesday morning, burglars forced their way into her locked house, leaving the door broken. They are believed to have taken an Amazon Alexa charger and the students’ car keys. Upon entering the victims’ room with torches and finding her awake in her room, the burglars fled the house, jumped into the students’ car and sped off. The victim has expressed to feel tense and hyper aware of loud noises ever since the incident occurred. 


Mayville Road in Hyde Park at 11 am on the 19th of April – no sign of the incident that happened mere hours ago

Another student living in Headingley has reported an attempted burglary around 3.50 am on Easter Sunday: The criminals smashed a window with a plant pot and entered the house through the utility room, cutting themselves on the splintered glass and leaving blood stains everywhere. They are believed to have fled after a neighbour has sighted them. The student was not aware of the incident until the next day. Upon calling the police, fingerprints and blood samples were taken and a welfare check was conducted the following day. The student has told the Gryphon that the incident “has taken a serious toll on him” and that “not feeling safe in his own home is not the best thing to have in one’s head at night.”


Burglars have smashed a window to gain access into a student house near Headingley on the 9th of April 

A similar event has been described by a second-year Fashion Photography student in Woodhouse: Two guys smashed a window and tried to break in what they thought was an empty house around 4.30 am on the 12th of April. The incident left one housemate being too afraid to open her blinds during the day. 


Attempted burglary in Woodhouse in the early morning hours of the 12Th of April

With windows being smashed and door locks being picked, the students’ supposed carelessness can hardly serve as a scapegoat for facilitating crimes anymore. 

The Gryphon has contacted the University of Leeds and the West Yorkshire police for a comment. While the University press team has referred to their website on how to deal with crime, a West Yorkshire police spokesman commented “A good precaution to take is to make sure you don’t have expensive items on view through your windows.  If you feel the security on your rented home/flat is lacking, speak to your landlord initially.” 

In fact, a survey by Here! Student Living has shown that 44 % of students in the Northeast feel their house lacks sufficient security. Even though Landlords should be held responsible for renting out houses with flimsy locks, it is advisable to check the security state before signing for a house. 

The spokesman added: “Officers covering Inner Northwest Leeds, as well as dedicated University Officers and Crime Prevention Officers continue to work with students to provide support and advice.”