Still missing Glastonbury? Shangri-La has launched Lost Horizon, a virtual exhibition of music and arts

With Glastonbury on hold for the time being, many have turned to digital alternatives to get their festival fix. Doing just that is Lost Horizon – a virtual exhibition of music and arts, founded by those behind Glastonbury’s Shangri-La.

Described as the “world’s largest” in the event’s press release, the programme has announced its mammoth line-up of 150 international artists and 250 artworks – including works from Anthony Burrill, Jeremy Deller, Harry Pearce, Fraser Muggeridge, Jimmy Turrell, Paula Scher, Malcolm Garrett, Studio Dumbar and many more. All of which is in support of The Big Issue and Amnesty International.

Just like that which can be found in the physical space of Shangri-La, Lost Horizon presents itself as a large outdoor art gallery, curated by ShangrilART and themed on the concept of human connection. Kaye Dunnings, Lost Horizon and Shangri-La creative director, has teamed up with a handful of collaborators to produce the event, including graphic designer Malcolm Garrett, Create Giants and More Eyes.

There’s plenty to explore within this digital space. At the Landing Zone stage, London-based artist and Turner prize nominee Mark Titchner is presenting a solo exhibition of his works. “The last months have shaken the world,” says Mark in a statement about what to expect from the event. “We’ve changed the way we live, the way we communicate and the way we consume. Whilst the world has been propped up by the efforts and valour of healthcare professionals and key workers, those in the creative sphere have faced the challenges of closures, cancellations and the loss of income.”

Elsewhere, as part of the Freedom stage, Yours Truthfully is an exhibition co-curated by Kaye and graphic designer Malcolm Garrett. 70 of the artists will be shown here, where powerful messages and statements will be presented to call attention to the global issues of today. In other parts of the festival, ShangriLART Gallery will showcase the works from 50 artist collaborators, while Nomad will present pieces from Darren Cullen, Erin Holly, Skeleton Cardboard and Tom Hunter. SHITV (Shangri-La International Television), on the other hand, is there to broadcast all of the event’s happenings, from backstage to front stage, to films, documentaries, theatre, live art, comedy, animation and talks.

Lastly, there’s the Gas Tower. Curated by Creative Giants, this stage will see 360 visuals accompanying the performances of a handful of DJ from the likes of Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox and Jamie Jones. Creating the visuals are Bertie Sampson, blinkinLAB, Bob Jaroc, DDL, Delta Process, Dr and Quinch, Enjoy Kaos and many more.

Planned in response to the current global pandemic, Kaye comments in the announcement: “In a world where physical contact has had to temporarily cease, we at Shangri-La continue our explorations into our running theme of human connection by pushing the boundaries of how we can connect in the virtual space. The fundamental need to gather en masse and have shared experiences still remains strong, and with Lost Horizon we aim to connect people further and wider than ever before.”

“Through Lost Horizon, we aim to bring together a global community with a shared passion in arts and culture, with the intern to inspire and spark action,” Kate continues. “Art unites as and in these times, we need it more than ever to bring us closer together. I am thrilled to be collaborating with so many amazing artists from across the globe on this pioneering project.”

Lost Horizon is taking place from 3-4 July 2020 and you can get your ticket here.