1. Immersive show by Peter Doig opens in London
A new exhibition titled Peter Doig: House of Music has opened at Serpentine South Gallery in London (Kensington Gardens) and runs through to February 8, 2026. It blends visual art and music in an immersive environment — described as “an ‘eccentric and entrancing’ show”.
Why it matters:
Doig is regarded as one of the most influential contemporary painters; the show’s combination of sound and painting signals a push toward multi-sensory arts experiences.
The venue and format point to the ongoing vitality of London’s gallery scene in offering major, high-profile shows.
For artists, curators and the public alike, the exhibition may redefine how we think of painting in the age of immersive installation.
Source: https://theweek.com/culture-life/art/peter-doig-house-of-music-an-eccentric-and-entrancing-show
2. Major retrospective for South Asian modernist at national institution
At the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the exhibition A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle spotlights the work of Indian modernist Mrinalini Mukherjee and her artistic milieu — the first major UK showcase of her work in over 30 years.
Why it matters:
Signals growing recognition and inclusion of South Asian modernist art within UK institutional contexts — a push towards broader, global-centred art histories.
For the UK arts sector, it’s an example of how major institutions are re-thinking their exhibitions and collections to include previously under-recognised artists.
It may draw new audiences, communities and scholarship into the museum space.
Source: https://www.ft.com/content/42dd91da-9bce-49d2-a2e8-aa5232cb1208
3. Regional galleries & exhibitions: London remains busy
While many headlines focus on London, the broader UK scene is active too — for example, multiple major exhibitions opening across London in November 2025.
Why it matters:
The sheer volume and variety of shows indicates resilience and ambition in the arts sector despite funding pressures.
It’s a reminder that galleries and institutions are still programming major work — good for artists, cultural tourism, and local economies.
For regions outside London, it’s both opportunity and challenge: high competition, but also impetus for regional cultural hubs.
Things to watch:
How regional institutions (outside London) are positioning themselves — whether via major exhibitions or access programmes.
The interplay of high-profile London shows with regional ones — is the gap widening or narrowing?
How public funding and charitable support impact programming, especially for smaller/more peripheral venues.
Source: https://www.flolondon.co.uk/all-posts/art-exhibitions-opening-in-london-in-november-2025
4. Context & caution: Funding and structural issues still loom
Although not fresh today’s news, the backdrop remains important: UK arts institutions face tight margins, scrutiny over funding, and the need to innovate. For instance, earlier commentary notes how the UK’s spending review and public-funding dynamics shape the sector.
Why it matters:
Even as major exhibitions open, many organisations still operate under financial and strategic pressure.
Artists, programmers and institutions alike will need to consider sustainability, access and reach in their planning.
Regions and smaller organisations may feel these pressures especially acutely.
Things to watch:
Budget announcements and government support for the arts in the coming months.
How institutions respond — alternative business models, digital programming, community engagement.
The effect on artists’ careers, especially those outside the major London circuit.
Source: https://www.campaignforthearts.org/news/what-did-the-2025-spending-review-mean-for-the-arts/
Final thoughts
Today’s headlines show a vibrant UK arts scene: high-profile exhibitions, strong institutional ambition, and an outward-looking curatorial focus (global modernisms, immersive forms). But it’s set against a backdrop of persistent structural and funding challenges.
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