Seriously superb events and exhibitions for 2023

Event producers and professionals tackling 2023 from the get go.

Not for the faint hearted – Venice, graffiti, and a small talking mouse…

As far as planet Earth is concerned, our lock-down years have been consigned to the dustbin of history, pandemic ‘n all. And nowhere is this more noticeable than in the experiential industry. A lot of bottled-up creative energy is now ready to be uncorked for enthusiastic audiences, and the year ahead is promising us some stunning events and exhibitions. We’ve hand-picked our favourites especially for you, so have your planners at the ready! 

First off, lock up your grandmas, as we’d like to present the most comprehensive graffiti and street art exhibition to ever hit the UK. Debuting on 17th February and lasting till 9th May, over 100 international artists will have their work featured over three floors of London’s Saatchi Gallery. BEYOND THE STREETS LONDON is the latest incarnation of this phenomenally popular exhibition that’s already shouted from the rooftops of Los Angeles and New York.  

And if BEYOND THE STREETS’ international rep wasn’t enough, it’s also making its London debut in the same year as hip-hop’s 50th birthday (according to the Saatchi Gallery, anyway). These complementing cultures that ruled the streets remain strong influences on fashion and film. Graffiti historian and expert curator Roger Gastman has collected together new works, large-scale installations, original ephemera and extraordinary fashion.  

Please be aware that anyone showing up in non-branded trainers will be escorted straight to the local nick. 

For our next choice, and in a nod to our mustard BE colleagues, all eyes are on Venice for the magnificent Biennale Architettura 2023: The Laboratory Of The Future. Running from 20th May through to 26th November, the 18th International Architecture Exhibition is being painstakingly curated by Lesley Lokko.  

And that’s not all – we can’t wait for the unveiling of the British pavilion which is being put together by a dazzling team of architects and curators. The British Council proudly announced that it selected Jayden Ali, Joseph Henry, Meneesha Kellay and Sumitra Upham to represent the UK. They’re amongst the best in the business, and have promised that their stand will embrace collective construction methods and celebrate the spectrum of architectural philosophies.  

Last, but by no means least, we can’t possibly talk about 2023’s events without mentioning the mouse. Some of you may love him, and some of you may even be irritated by him. But if you hate him? Well, you’re dead to us. We’re talking Mickey Mouse of course, even though he’s a bit of a red herring.  

Because despite being the most recognisable symbol of the Walt Disney Company, Mickey wasn’t born (okay, drawn) until 1928. But, although you’ll have to wait for a slice of his mouse cake, the good news is that there’s a much bigger party going on at Disney HQ this year. Yep, it’s a whole century since brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney created one of the most successful brands in the world.  

The celebrations are going to be enormous, and we’d bet a million quid that Disney artworkers around the globe will be suffering from hand cramp for the next few months. And event organisers? It’s intravenous caffeine all round. 

All of the Disneyland resorts are hosting incredible extravaganzas as you’d expect, and far too many to list here – however, all is not lost as they’ve got the Disney website working 24/7 to keep you up to date on exciting announcements.  

And for those of us who prefer to stay at home, there’ll be Disney100 The Concert and Disney100 The Exhibition, as well as Wonder of Friendship – The Experience, which will tour around the USA, UK and major cities worldwide. Prepare for firework fatigue.  

This is only scratching the surface of the experiential story for 2023, and as we’re planning what to eat for dinner, event designers and creative strategists are daydreaming up ideas for Venice Biennales of the future – art is up next in 2024 for its 60th appearance in La Serenissima.  

But what about you?  

Are you seriously superb and oozing with talent, filled with passion about projects like these superstar offerings? Then rest assured that we’re 100% committed to finding you the job you’re aching for, our fabulous mustard XP team are staring at their phones just waiting for your call, so get your dialing finger at the ready.