Manish, 23
Lawyer
The reason I joined was fairly simple: I was new to London and wanted to meet people who were as mad about books and films as I was. I’ve not been disappointed. I have met lots of very interesting people, read some thoroughly enjoyable books and seen some great cinema.
London is teeming with things to do and places to go and My Cultural Life makes that exploration all that much easier. Most importantly, however, I've made some really good friends and this is perhaps where My Cultural Life has succeeded for me the most.
Julia, 28
PhD Student
When I first moved to London from Austria, two years ago, I went to cultural events by myself. My friends here were not interested in that kind of thing and I found it quite difficult to meet people who were. It was quite frustrating to enjoy something but not be able to share it with others.
These days, going to events with friends from My Cultural Life and having a good discussion and a drink afterwards makes things so much more fun. There is always a good mix of people you’ve already met at other events as well as new faces. You meet people of all ages and a variety of jobs and that’s what makes it so special.
As I am a classical music fan, I decided to offer my services as a host - it’s great that you can contribute by hosting events and dragging people along to things you enjoy. I always went to classical concerts by myself before. Now I go with people who enjoy it as much as I do and who join me for a drink afterwards. Hosting an event doesn’t take much effort on your part, but you get a lot out of it.
Louise, 36
Yoga Teacher
I often feel I want to go to more artsy stuff in London, but don't get round to looking into it or find that getting my friends along requires too much organisation as they might not want to see the same thing or have full-on careers that prevent them from going out midweek. What could be better than a club that emails you regularly with details of great arts events in London, and all you have to do is book your place?
It's also a brilliant way of meeting new, like-minded people. It's often hard in London to get the opportunity to meet new folk, especially if you don't meet many through your work. At a recent theatre event, I met a woman who runs yoga retreats abroad and being a yoga teacher myself, we had a lot in common. In fact, I'm off to Spain next month to teach for a week on one of her retreats!
Steve, 48
Graphic Designer
Like all members of My Cultural Life, I enjoy the arts and while it is always nice to share the experience of an exhibition or concert, sometimes you simply can't find anyone who wants to come along with you, which is why I became a member.
The outings and events are thoughtfully chosen, and what strikes you about them is how relaxed and informal they are, putting you in the perfect frame of mind to enjoy yourself. I've noticed that becoming a member has helped opened up my cultural horizons, allowing me to appreciate spheres of culture I had never considered before. I find the combination of the outing and the after-event both culturally rewarding and socially stimulating – and it’s also a lot of fun. My Cultural Life is not only wonderfully organised, but is also passionate about the arts, a passion it clearly wants to share with its members.
