Want to get creative?

We all need a new lockdown hobby, so why not make it something magical? Treadwell’s Bookshop in Bloomsbury is a trusted centre for those with an interest in spirituality, divination, religion and more. Usually, they run IRL talks and workshops; but now, you can check out their website and watch a series of videos on everything from using a sage smudge to candle spells.

Hold Still is an ambitious new project to create a landmark picture of the UK during its weeks of lockdown. Developed by the National Portrait Gallery and its patron, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, ‘Hold Still’ invites ordinary Brits to contribute a photographic portrait of someone taken during the current nationwide crisis. It’s pretty simple. You take a photo of someone important to you under one of three categories: ‘Helpers and Heroes’, ‘Your New Normal’ and ‘Acts of Kindness’ – and submit pictures until June 18. The best 100 images will form a landmark virtual exhibition at the NPG.

It’s no secret that businesses across the country are having a difficult time right now, including London’s Chinatown. The usually bustling tourist hub is now offering you the chance to experience it from your living room, thanks to #BringingChinatownHome: a programme of online mindfulness workshops, language lessons and cook-alongs. To join, visit any of the @chinatownlondon social channels.

The clever cats over at Glasgow International haven’t let lockdown stop them from giving the people what they want (world-class art, of course). While the festival has been officially postponed to 2021, GI has launched a robust digital programme which features an audio introduction from director Richard Perry, then a suite of artworks specially commissioned for the digital programme: think video works, sound art and more.

Portsmouth textile artist Alice Hume weaves gorgeous jewellery and decorative items from her studio in Old Portsmouth. But right now, you can pretend you’re there, loom in hand, with her virtual workshop that will have you making your own woven coasters. Your fee of £35 will grant you access to a nine-module programme that you can take at your own pace. It’s appropriate for total beginners, but you’ll need a few bits and bobs to get you started – see the website for details.