A unique arts hub in South East London, Bermondsey Project set up five years ago by the homelessness charity Crisis in partnership with studio and arts education provider Bow Arts is to mark its closing to make way for a housing development a launch party, FIN, will be held on 12 September.
FIN will see the launch of the Made in Bermondsey exhibition, presented by Zandra Rhodes and The Best of Bow Arts exhibition, curated by Mark Wallinger. On the day there will be an Arts & Crafts market, outdoor film showings and a kiln firing. Over 140 artists’ studios – many of whom are clients of Crisis and have experience of homelessness – will be opened to the public.
Mick Bateman, Project Director of Bermondsey Project, said: “All good things must come to an end, but I’m glad we’re going out in such style. Bermondsey Project has been a truly collaborative venture that has become a key player in the cultural renaissance of Bermondsey. This will be a celebration of all that has been achieved in this building over the past five years, showcasing the artists, designers, makers and other partners who have contributed to the projects unique cultural mix. It will be pretty spectacular.”
Zandra Rhodes, who will open Made in Bermondsey, said: “By sharing this building Crisis, Bow Arts and the Bermondsey Project provided an environment in which young artists, designers, and clients of Crisis had a rare opportunity to share a very creative atmosphere. When I think of the opportunities and advancement that this unique project has enabled, I feel all involved deserve huge congratulations. Let’s hope this imaginative programme serves as a model for others to follow.”
Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. Our purpose is to end homelessness. Crisis helps people rebuild their lives through housing, health, education and employment services. We work with thousands of homeless people across the UK and have ambitious plans to work with many more.
We are also determined campaigners, working to prevent people from becoming homeless and to change the way society and government think and act towards homeless people. Crisis works with homeless people in eight regions across the UK. Crisis worked with 6,234 people through its Crisis education services and 4,158 guests at Crisis at Christmas. Over the past four years Crisis has supported local organisations to find 8,123 people a new place to call home.
Bow Arts supports community renewal in east London. It was established as an educational arts charity in 1996 based in east London, where it supports a community of over 400 artists with affordable, secure, creative workspace in the heart of London’s Artist Quarter. Alongside this, Bow Arts manages one of the country’s most exciting education programmes, which takes world-class artists into schools to improve the lives and learning of children and young people. www.bowarts.org