4 brilliant things to do in April

This month we’­­­­re looking forward to chemistry, marmalade, printing and more!

Photo by Tod Jones, courtesy Ikon

See printmaking in action at Ikon

As part of Ikon Gallery’s new exhibition Start the Press! contemporary printmakers will be working live on a flatbed press from Wolverhampton School of Art, with live demonstrations to the public. This month witness artist Karen McLean create brand-new works. The Birmingham-based artist grew up in Trinidad, and her practice focuses on the interconnection between British and Caribbean culture.

Printmaking Studio: Karen McLean, 4–6 April at Ikon Gallery, Birmingham; no booking required

Andy Warhol Artworks © 2024 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Licensed by DACS, London

Learn about the chemistry of ice cream via Pop Art

To coincide with an exhibition about Andy Warhol’s textiles (which features delightful ice-cream prints, as seen here), Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh is running a talk about the science behind this deliciously sweet treat. On stage will be ice-cream maker Mackie’s of Scotland director Karin Hayhow and Dovecot director Celia Joicey. Guests will not only get to try some delectable frozen samples but will also receive a bespoke cocktail on arrival, courtesy of the Holyrood Distillery.

Andy Warhol and the Chemistry of Ice Cream, 12 April, 5.30–7pm, at Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh

Feast your eyes: a scene from last year’s Marmalade Festival

Go mad for marmalade at this annual festival

Every year beautiful Dalemain Mansion in Penrith opens its doors to celebrate all things marmalade. What began in 2005 as a small community happening has grown to become an internationally recognised event, with hopeful makers travelling from places as far flung as Taiwan, Brazil and Japan to have their preserves judged. Visitors can delight in their own tasting and a series of marmalade-themed events, and in addition enjoy the historic house and gardens.

The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards and Festival, 20 April at Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens

Ryuichi Sakamoto at the piano in the film Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus

Learn about the life of a prolific composer in a new film

Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto was known for his haunting and magical scores that won him an Oscar for the 1987 film The Last Emperor, alongside an oeuvre that included orchestral work, video game tracks, techno beats and much more besides. In his later years he was unable to tour due to ill health. Now, commemorating a year since his death, a new film directed by his son opens in cinemas. In effect his last-ever performance, recorded in late 2022, it consists of 20 pieces performed alone on the piano.

Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus is in select UK cinemas now

Find out more

For more inspiring arts activities, see The Arts Society Magazine, available exclusively to members and supporters of The Arts Society (to join see theartssociety.org/member-benefits). And for more online, sign up at theartssociety.org/signup