Five cultural activities to enjoy in isolation this May

From Frida Kahlo puzzles to Grayson Perry’s art club, here are some excellent at-home activities.

Join Grayson’s art club

In his latest television series for Channel 4, artist and social commentator Grayson Perry invites you to join his art club during lockdown. Featuring socially distanced interviews with other artists, including Chantal Joffe and Phyllida Barlow, masterclasses in creativity, and a competition for the public to submit their entries on a chosen theme, it promises to offer some artistic respite in these testing times. 

channel4.com

Surround yourself with Shakespeare

Shakespeare's Globe Romeo and Juliet

While you might not be able to travel to the famed open-air theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe offers an incredible selection of broadcasts available for rent and download, as well as free content that features behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and experimental interpretations of various plays. The excellent navigation allows for quick browsing by genre and curated collections. Alternatively, you can tune in to broadcasts via the Globe's YouTube channel, where productions are being made available one at a time, on rotation every two weeks.

globeplayer.tv

Get creative with Isolation Art School

Set up by artists Keith Tyson and Matthew Burrows, Isolation Art School offers classes from the experts, for adults and children alike (which are helpfully colour-coded). With segments broadcast on Instagram and YouTube, you can choose from technical lessons on how to draw a hand or foot, crafting guides or intimate studio insights, including that of portraitist Jonathan Yeo and illustrator Quentin Blake.

@isolationartschool

Piece together the life and work of Frida Kahlo

Puzzles are a great way to keep your mind active, and why not enjoy some art history at the same time? Laura Callaghan has illustrated a new 1,000-piece jigsaw that celebrates the world of Frida Kahlo, encompassing her work, influences and milestones in her life. It is accompanied by text written by Holly Black (The Arts Society’s digital editor), which signposts all of these references and gives further context to the artist’s influential practice. Use the code ‘ArtSociety35’ at laurenceking.com to receive a 35% discount. 

laurenceking.com

Enjoy groundbreaking ballet

Ballet Black’s Ingoma by Mthuthuzeli November. Photography by Bill Cooper

For a limited time only, experience Ballet Black in your home. The international dance company supports performers of black and asian descent, effecting fundamental change within mainstream ballet through innovative new productions. For seven days, you can experience the award-winning Ingoma, choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November and co-commissioned with the Barbican, via their website.  

balletblack.co.uk

Holly Black is The Art Society's Digital Editor