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Ashleigh Kane

Melbourne native asked for a one-way ticket to London for her 21st birthday and wanting to figure it all out when the plane landed. In a city where anything is possible, Ashleigh Kane is the poster girl for working her way to the top. Starting out as a receptionist intern at Dazed - while waitressing at night - she is now Dazed's Art & Photography Editor-at-Large. Travelling the world on art escapes we could only dream of, Ashleigh continues to cement her name in London's art scene. 

Follow this guide as she takes us on a tour of her top London art galleries.

Beginning as a project space in 2011 before transitioning into a commercial gallery four years ago, Arcadia Missa actively champions young and contemporary female artists such as Phoebe Collings-James, Reba Maybury and Amalia Ulman

Anchored in its German and American roots, this multi-city gallery often hosts works from some of the biggest artists in the world; John Waters, Barbara Kruger and even Kraftwerk

Sadie Coles is a veteran of the London art scene and known for her connection to the YBAs - mostly Sarah Lucas. It has an incredible roster of international artists, with Martine Syms being a favourite of mine

Guest Projects is tucked away just around the corner from Broadway Market’s hustle and bustle (aka chaos). Founded by Yinka Shonibare, it offers the extremely rare opportunity for artists to have free access to the London space for a month. Here, multidisciplinary practices combine for residencies, parties and even supper clubs

Situated inside Piccadilly Tube Station and has done shows with Harley Weir, Ryan McGinley and more. The gallery never actually opens or closes, all the art you need to see is in its shop window

The ICA is a melting pot of both emerging and established underground artists that cover film, photography, performance, and installation, as well as talks, lectures and panels. Keep an eye out for its Friday night programmes which is when they host progressive events, club nights and other happenings

A stone’s throw from Peckham Rye Overground is the Hannah Barry Gallery. An incredible influence on the city’s contemporary art scene – particularly in pushing interest South-East. After hitting the gallery, climb the stairs at Peckham’s multi-storey carpark and experience Bold Tendencies. It's a not-for-profit art and cultural programme that takes place each Summer, organised by Barry, and featuring both local and international commissions. Bold Tendencies is also where you’ll find Simon Whybray’s 'hi boo i love you', the pink staircase which is actually a long letter to a long distance girlfriend

The Chisenhale Gallery in East London is an innovative contemporary space that regularly commissions artists to “pursue their most ambitious work to date”. The gallery is refreshingly progressive in the work and artists it shows. It also produces limited editions, so be sure to check out the shop and invest in the next generation's work

The Tate is literally next to my office, which is maybe why I have an affinity to it, despite also a lot of conflict with some of its practices. If you want to buy one of your fave artworks, likely Tate will have a postcard of it or something similar... I’m a sucker for collecting images and ephemera, so this is my first stop

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Galleries and Museums in London selected by Ashleigh Kane

Moxie

From local pirate radio to a world takeover, during the last ten years, London-based DJ Moxie has been on a journey of expansion, driving herself and an arsenal of talented women around the world. With a weekly NTS show, as label boss to On Loop, a voiceover artist and the supplier of eclectic dance music to parties across the globe, Moxie is one of the busiest women in music. Check her guide to London town below and have a listen to her 

The team room is stunning and I always visit it when ever i go and see an exhibition there. It’s covered with beautiful tiles from head to toe and has chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. If not to grab some tea and cake it’s definitely worth taking a look at.

Walking around the Tate is always fun. I especially love ending up in the book store and I love browsing what books they have on offer.

On a sunny day take a walk around Hampstead Heath. It’s huge and covers a few areas of North London, but the area I always love to chill out by is next to the dog pond. You can sit up on the hill and watch all the different types of breeds jumping in and out the pond.

If you like gelato, then I would highly recommend this spot.

A great record shop again in Soho, which specialises in dub, reggae and world music. You can find lots of beautiful Brazilian LPS in here and they also have a great book and dvd selection downstairs.

Renting a pedalo out for the afternoon at the Serpentine is always fun, especially so in Summertime.

If you would like to see some culture but are strapped for cash, The British Museum is great because the entry is free. They have permanent exhibits of Egyptian & Greek artefacts which are always fascinating to go and look at.

I often get asked where to go out clubbing in London and my answer is always Corsica Studios. It’s such a reliable club for the music and the sound is great in there too.

My new favourite restaurant to go to in London. It’s french bistro and they serve great natural wines. They switch up the menu every week so it’s always something different when you go.

Tate Modern

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