To accompany Modern Art Oxford’s major exhibition of paintings by artist Howard Hodgkin, the gallery presents its biggest ever programme of events to see you through the summer months. With extended opening hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the galleries are now open until 7pm and the café and bar in the new indoor-outdoor space The Yard will be open until 10pm. An eclectic programme of talks and tours, film screenings, music and family events supports the later opening hours, showcasing exciting new talents and bringing you a diverse programme of culture.

TALKS & TOURS

A selection of talks and tours are available to guide you through Howard Hodgkin’s exhibition of 25 paintings. Talks will be given by artist Miranda Creswell and Dr Rachel Wells, tutor in Fine Art at The Ruskin School of Drawing & Fine Art, as well as lunchtime tours by members of the Modern Art Oxford team every Wednesday. Talks by Andy Barker, artist and assistant to Howard Hodgkin, and Sam Smiles, emeritus professor of art history at the University of Plymouth, will give you a better insight into the work of one of the most distinctive painters of our time.

Also coming up is a special in conversation event in which art critic, writer and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon will talk to Howard about developments in his recent work, and look back at various aspects of his distinguished career.

MUSIC

Modern Art Oxford’s brand new indoor-outdoor arts space and café, The Yard, is the hottest place to be this summer. Two new monthly programmes, LIVE FRIDAY and YARD GIGS will showcase intriguing and eclectic approaches to performance, music and spoken word from rising stars.

Don’t miss performances by Hannah Peel who reworks traditional Irish song and 1980s synth-pop, and a unique performance by Ichi who takes the notion of a one-man band to the limit to produce something ritualistic and fun.

Taking place on the last Saturday of each month is YARD GIGS, an acoustic music evening supported by local bands. Come along and discover new sounds and talents, it is free.

FILM SCREENINGS

In the newly-configured basement space, Modern Art Oxford provides a regular dose of moving-image culture with an extensive range of cinema, artist film and video. Screenings include films selected by artist Howard Hodgkin and KINO CLUB, a new Thursday night programme of films. Highlights for the summer are The Lady Vanishes, arguably one of Hitchcock’s most accomplished British films, and Far From Heaven starring Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid and Dennis Haysbert.

FAMILIES

A whole host of family-friendly events have been organised alongside the exhibition at the gallery. Children are invited to join in art activities led by artists and art students on the Modern Art trolley every Saturday and Sunday (children must be accompanied by an adult). Also coming up are the popular family day events at the gallery and at Rose Hill, Oxford. You and your family are invited to spend an afternoon using your senses and memories to construct a colourful snapshot of life at the gallery, or print colourful bunting at the family day at Rose Hill.

For more information on upcoming events and to keep up to date with gallery news, visit the website: www.modernartoxford.org.uk