Whitechapel Gallery’s Backyard Biennial: East

East London does summer differently and Backyard Biennial: East is proof as Whitechapel Gallery takes art beyond the gallery and into streets, studios and community spaces to celebrate the rich culture of the East End, think big ideas and grassroots energy.

Expect exhibitions, film, workshops, walks and more, all rooted in local stories with global reach, the programme for their anniversary year gives space to systemically under-represented voices, especially women-identifying artists and artists of colour across the 8-week free festival in collaboration with more than 40 local partners across East London.

Founded in 1901 with the aim to bring ‘the finest art of the world to the people of East London’, Whitechapel Gallery has firmly cemented itself at the centre of London’s creative scene, bringing some of the world’s most radical and innovative pieces to its East End home.

Backyard Biennial: East is running from 15 July to 6 September 2026, view the programme at www.whitechapelgallery.org

Words by Georgina Garness