Southbank Centre Your culture fix
Cutting-edge creators: author Candice Carty-Williams, Suede frontman Brett Anderson and sculptor Cornelia Parker.
Winning stories
This week, Candice Carty-Williams became the first Black author to win book of the year at the British Book Awards with her debut novel, Queenie. Learn more about the voice behind the narrative currently taking literary awards, must-read lists and social media by storm in this week’s culture fix.
Inspired by her success, we’re also looking at children’s books celebrating diversity, plus more trailblazers in the form of Britpop pioneer Brett Anderson and visual artist Cornelia Parker.
explore stories →Local hero
Who is author Candice Carty-Williams?
Bernardine Evaristo called Candice Carty-Williams’ debut novel ‘deliciously funny, characterful, topical and thrilling’ – discover more about the author of Queenie, including her career in publishing and the four-way bidding war that led to the novel’s publication.
read now →New generation
Podcast: Brett Anderson – Afternoons with the Blinds Drawn
Success, excess and regrets: hear Suede frontman Brett Anderson in conversation with Miranda Sawyer on the therapeutic process of writing his second volume of memoirs, Afternoons with the Blinds Drawn, charting the rise and fall of the band.
listen now →Bright ideas
Cornelia Parker: the art of printing with light and glass
Learn about the intriguing history of photogravure – a process that combines photography and printmaking – in this video of artist Cornelia Parker. She also discusses her fascination with the technique’s inventor, Henry Fox Talbot, and her own experimental works.
watch now →All-singing, all-dancing
Playlist: The influence of George Gershwin
Classical arrangements, jazz standards, film scores and broadway hits – you name it, Gershwin’s composed it. Discover the breadth of his talent and influence in this playlist featuring covers of his work, as well as songs that have sampled his music.
listen now →Turning the page
Children’s books celebrating diversity and inclusion: tips and recommendations
Jasmine Dellimore and Meera Ghanshamdas of Moon Lane Books, recently crowned children’s bookseller of the year, recommend inclusive stories for you and your family to enjoy that can help guide discussions about race and representation.
read now →see all storiesHours of fun
Culture Picks
Your cultural hot list for the week is here: attend virtual music festivals from the comfort of your own home, livestream Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, watch a Pina Bausch dance rehearsal and celebrate Caribbean culture with Just Vibez.
read now →Support the Southbank Centre
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donate online →Make tracks
Plug in for toe-tapping music
Missing the sweet sound of your colleagues’ voices? Try one of our playlists to fill the silence or to accompany your lunchtime dance around the room. We’ve got mixtapes hand-picked by Joan As Police Woman, Marius Neset and Susheela Raman, to name a few.
listen now →Lend us an ear
Learn something new with our podcasts
Our podcast series features conversations with great writers, comedians, thinkers and musicians. Consider women on the page with Roxane Gay, spend an evening with Roger Daltrey or mull mental health and creativity with Matt Haig and Jordan Stephens.