When you want a wide-ranging feel for how a city's art scene vibrates, who better to go to than someone with nearly unfettered access.
Based in London, Suhair Khan leads on various strategic initiatives for Google, including a new Google-powered platform helping to track the environmental impact of the global fashion industry. Previously lead of projects for Google Arts & Culture both in the UK and globally, she often finds herself at the nexus of culture, technology and social impact—elements for which London, a destination Suhair recommends discovering as soon as it is safe to do so, provides plenty of inspiration.
“I’ve lived in many places—all over the U.S., Asia, Europe—but London is perhaps the most international city in the world, considering its rich culture and arts scene and an immeasurable diversity of people!” tells Suhair. “As we now tentatively enter a new world and a new normal, I hope we can continue to enjoy the parts of London which make it shine so brightly. It is the people who make the city, and I know they will bounce back with new ideas and new ways of being and living. The arts will need a lot of support—from all of us—and so although these experiences may change in the short, medium or even long term, I do hope we are able to support the cultural community of the city in a way which helps creators, artists and institutions to continue to thrive.”
From ‘can’t miss’ iconic sites to lesser known book shops and artist studios, Suhair shares with us her personal guide to discovering London through art: