Covent Garden unveils summer art installation for 2024

Shaftesbury Capital has unveiled a brand-new large-scale art installation, “Little Cloud World” in Covent Garden by Los Angeles-based artists Samuel Borkson & Arturo Sandoval III, known as FriendsWithYou. The London-first commission will be installed until October and features over 40 inflatable floating clouds in the Covent Garden Market Building. This is the latest cultural investment in the historic landmark and reflects Shaftesbury Capital’s continued support of Covent Garden’s heritage as a pioneer of public realm arts and culture in London.

“Little Cloud World” features several giant cloud sculptures over 4ft in height, creating a portal into a happy place where visitors from across the globe are invited to gather in Covent Garden, spreading kindness and compassion for people and the planet. Installed for two months, the commission kicks off an unrivalled programme of seasonal activity taking place across the Covent Garden neighbourhood.

Artists Samuel Borkson & Arturo Sandoval III are renowned for creating modern modes of spirituality with the mission of having a positive impact on the world. Little Cloud has been developed over the last 20 years as a symbol of peace and connectivity, with a calm joy that can be felt universally. The project has become a world icon, being featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City and joining forces with Pharrell on many major projects.

“Little Cloud World” follows previous joyful public realm commissions in Covent Garden including Alex Chinneck, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst and Paul Smith. The unrivalled summer series of immersive pop-ups and programming further brings to life the creativity and culture of the destination and reinforces its position as London’s home of culture.

Michelle McGrath, Executive Director, Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “We are proud of our cultural heritage at Covent Garden, and our ongoing partnerships with the most exciting trailblazers from the creative world enable us to continuously celebrate this story, whilst championing the positive impact art can have on our iconic destinations as well as our wellbeing. With “Little Cloud World”, our aim is to put a smile on the faces of those who visit and enhance their experience of the neighbourhood.”

FriendsWithYou commented: “Covent Garden is one of the most iconic areas of London. As you enter, we invite you to play and dream of a better more friendly world that we will create together. Our aim for this installation is to become a beacon of love and compassion, and we can’t wait to see how people interact and engage with it.”

For the bespoke installation, Covent Garden has partnered with Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity that exists to change the devastating rates of suicide in the UK. Throughout the summer, visitors to the installation can access multiple donation stations and helpful information on CALM, and retailers and restaurants across Covent Garden will also be offering items with proceeds going to the charity.