The London Museum is looking to recruit a resident DJ collective for late-night events
The new West Smithfield site opens in November
By Nick Reilly
Ahead of its relaunch, The London Museum has opened applications to find a new resident DJ collective who can provide the musical heartbeat at late weekend openings.
The Sound of London DJ Collective comes after the cultural institution teamed up with legendary chicken shop Morley’s and creative studio Hive Curates to develop a music programme for Friday and Saturday night openings which will run until 11pm at the museum’s permanent galleries.
It comes as The London Museum prepares to open its door at the new West Smithfield site in November, having moved from London Wall in 2022.
The chosen DJs will play sets at Our Time, a newly developed space inside the General Market, which was the former trading floor of Smithfield Market. Visitors will be able to experience the sets before heading to the space’s underground galleries and restaurant on the upper floor.
Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, said: “The Sound of London DJ Collective celebrates the people, neighbourhoods, local spaces and moments that bring this city to life, uniting bold, original and community-minded DJs who reflect the richness of London’s contemporary sound. At London Museum, we believe in making the everyday extraordinary – creating spaces where people can connect, discover new sounds and make memories.”
As for Morley’s, the museum recently celebrated the chain’s 40th anniversary by acquiring the original red sign from the first Morley’s in Sydenham. It will now be displayed in Our Time, forming part of an installation called Hanging Out.
Shan Selvendran, Chief Executive Officer of Morley’s, said: “Supporting emerging talent and connecting with London’s culture is a defining part of Morley’s story – our doors have always been open for creatives, for young people and for our community. As we celebrate over 40 years of Morley’s, backing this DJ collective and supporting spaces for people to come together in London made sense. We’re excited to continue our connection with London Museum to champion the people and stories that make our home city so great.”
Twelve emerging DJs will be selected from across London’s boroughs, with the panel including guest judges from the city’s music scene. Successful applicants will join a 12-month programme, performing roughly one paid set a month between November 2026 and November 2027. Recruitment runs across three stages, beginning with a written application due by 11:59pm on August 14, after which fifty applicants progress to the next round.
The London Museum is opening applications for a new resident DJ collective who will provide the soundtrack for late weekend openings at its new Smithfield site, launching on November 28.