Open's Launch Party

With Salvador Dali and one of Degas’ ballerinas handing out tequila shots, each goodie bag a work of art, a specially commissioned poem and plenty of music and merriment, Open Magazine’s launch party on September 12th at The Gallery Soho was a blast.

With salubrious and eclectic guests from the art world, theatre, cinema, literature, press, music, media, contributors and of course, friends, the event was a wonderful reflection of Open’s ethos: bridging the high arts with the best of popular culture.

The goodie bags were created by artist Stuart Semple, who took the idea of “Open” and made fantastic bags that you literally had to open with a zip. Each one was signed by the artist.

Inside was “Opening Shot” a poem written by Poetry Review editor Fiona Sampson. Read it here

I gave a ( short! ) speech, then showed a film of vox pops taken of Londoners giving their view of the arts. See the film here in the next couple of days.

And the fantastic rising star Paola Bottomley – who’s won a Yamaha Jazz Scholarship for outstanding jazz musicians – provided the music.

In all, the night was a great celebration of Open – everyone commented on what a lovely, friendly crowd we were - and the beginning of a journey that I hope you’ll make with us.

We Ate: Salmon sashami, mozzerella and tomato skewers, chocolate brownies - provided by True Events.