London Gallery Weekend is to launch its inaugural edition this summer, with more than 80 galleries participating in the event which will run from 4 to 6 June 2021.

The free-to-attend event will host a public programme of discussions, studio visits, late openings and performances, alongside a VIP programme for curators and collectors. The organisers describe it as a ‘democratic, peer-led initiative’ for a ‘future-facing art landscape which embraces the community and mutual support of a diverse London gallery network’.

The grassroots initiative was conceived over the Covid-19 lockdown, with gallerists in the city looking to respond to the challenges of the pandemic. Each day of the event will carry a focus on a geographical area, with central London on Friday, and then attention moving to south London on Saturday, and East End galleries on Sunday.

Cofounder of Edel Assanti gallery and founder of London Gallery Weekend, Jeremy Epstein commented: ‘It has been inspiring to see our community pool resources and expertise to create an annual moment of celebration of London’s diverse gallery landscape. I am excited to see a programme of engaging exhibitions and events unfolding across the city that will speak to both a local and international audience, emphasising the cultural contribution of London’s galleries.’

Gallerist Sid Motion said in a statement: ‘The London Gallery Weekend is a celebration of the diversity of the incredible galleries in our city – and it is so important for young galleries, emerging artists and new voices to be shown alongside internationally established names from the very beginning. This city-wide collaboration feels like a true celebration of the community of our thriving art scene.’

Under the lockdown timetable for England, commercial galleries will be permitted to reopen no earlier than 12 April, classed as ‘non-essential’ retail. Public galleries will be permitted from 17 May.