British artist showcases his work in Festival of Happiness at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Renowned British artist Stuart Semple will devise a free and immersive one-day festival at Dulwich Picture Gallery which will showcase his new work, along with  performances from the City of London Sinfonia and a “joyful” line up of activities.

The Festival of Happiness, on July 30, will make use of the gallery’s expansive gardens and, in recognition of the challenges of the past two years, will encourage recovery and embrace hope and joy through colourful and imaginative interventions, workshops and family trails.

A highlight of the festival will be the premiere of Semple’s new work Something Else, an elaborate series of sculptural installations spread throughout the gallery’s gardens.

Visitors will be invited to follow a map designed by Semple which will guide them through this interactive artwork, which will sit alongside family-friendly workshops and a series of relaxed performances from the City of London Sinfonia.

The festival will also feature Semple’s famous Happy Clouds, which will be shown in the UK for the first time in more than a decade. Throughout the day visitors can access the gallery and the current exhibition Reframed: The Woman in the Window for free.

Festival of Happiness is be held in memory of Ingrid Beazley, former chairman of the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery from 2005 – 2008, and founder of the Dulwich Outdoor Gallery, which brought art to the streets of south London.

Stuart Semple said: “I hope people have an amazing day, and that the artworks and events give people a chance to experience a true sense of happiness.

“It would be a dream if that stayed with visitors for a little while – if they could take something of the day back home with them.

“I’m just happy to be able to build something like this and share it with everyone.”

Stuart Semple at Dulwich Picture Gallery Picture: Dulwich Picture Gallery