LAH

Graduate Award Scheme 2025


Deadline: Sunday 22nd September 2024.

The Deadline for this has been pushed back to the 22nd September 2024

The Lewisham Arthouse Graduate Award is an exciting opportunity providing recent graduates (between 2021-2024) with free studio space, mentorship and production support for 12 months. We provide a £500 studio stipend, £1000 for mentors, and £1000 for your final project.

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England and SEAL, as well as the volunteer work of Lewisham Arthouse Members.
The deadline for applications is the 22nd of September 2024.

Please see our Application Sheet before applying for details about the award. For more information about the Arthouse and the expectations from the graduate, please read our information pack. We have a few information videos about the award released through the Lewisham Arthouse Instagram page.
If you have any questions about the award or this form, please read our FAQs sheet. If your question is not answered, you can email us via graduateaward@lewishamarthouse.org.uk
We kindly ask you to complete and Equal Opportunities form with your application, the link is included at the end of this document. All information is kept anonymous.

We wish you the best of luck, and look forwards to seeing your applications!

>Click here for the Google Application Form<.

Open House Festival

16th September 2023, 10am – 6pm

The Lewisham Arthouse building – the Grade II listed former Deptford Library will be open during the Open House Festival, for a full day of guided tours and a small archival display on Saturday 16th September only. Please see the Open City website for more details.

If you miss this event, the building will also be open for the annual Open Studios event on 31st September – 1st October.

Step free access to ground floor – please see our access information for more details (scroll down)

Lewisham Arthouse
140 Lewisham Way
London SE14 6PD
www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk

Open Studio 2023

31st – 1st October 2023, 12-6pm

We are opening our doors for our annual open studios, where you can explore the building, meet the artists, and buy art at affordable prices.

There will be a pop-up cafe with homemade cakes, guided tours, a children’s art trail, and artists’ workshops in ‘Edible Bread Painting’, ‘Patch-up Printing’, Comic Making and more.

Lewisham Arthouse supports over 40 artists, as well as arts-based learning, through creative workspace and specialist facilities. We run a varied exhibition and events programme of visual art and live performance.

Open 12-6pm Saturday and Sunday
Free entry

Step free access to ground floor – please see our access information for more details (scroll down)

Lewisham Arthouse
140 Lewisham Way
London SE14 6PD
www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk


Graduate Award 2024

Deadline 6th November 2023

We are now seeking applications for this year’s Lewisham Arthouse Graduate Award!

The Lewisham Arthouse Graduate Award is an exciting opportunity providing recent graduates (between 2020-2023) with free studio space and production support. It is a studio and mentorship award for recent graduates from university and alternative art education programs, please see eligibility at the end for further details. It is free to apply and the award lasts one year, it provides a first floor 200ft studio based within the artist-led cooperative and community of Lewisham Arthouse and a mentorship program with local professional networks and mentors selected by the awardee. At the end of the year, the awardee is invited to share the outcomes of their time in Lewisham Arthouse through a public event; such as an exhibition, a workshop, performance, symposium or gig.

This year’s award will run from January 2024-2025. The deadline for applications is midnight on November 6th. For more information please look at our Information Sheet.

You can also email us at graduateaward@lewishamarthouse.org.uk

In case the hyperlinks don’t work, please see:

Equal Opportunities Form

Lewisham Arthouse Graduate Award Application Information Sheet


Vacancy: Volunteer Trustee


Vacancy: Volunteer Trustee


Lewisham Arthouse’s (LAH) associated charity South East Arts London (SEAL) are currently looking to recruit a volunteer trustee who is an experienced and critically engaged curator and cultural practitioner to join the Board. The role will be an exceptional opportunity to shape the dynamic governance of a unique cultural asset in Lewisham. We are looking for somebody who is able to network and support the development of our cultural capital and programmes at Lewisham Art House in collaboration with the co-operative that manages the resources of studio and exhibition spaces. Ideally we are looking for experience in fundraising, educational outreach, stakeholder management and insights into the drivers of cultural transformation at a local and national level. The Borough of Lewisham has a complex social and political fabric and we are keen to appoint board members who understand the opportunity for high quality arts provision in this context.


This comes as the organisation finds itself at an exciting and dynamic stage – expanding our ambitions to ensure a secure future and committing to the development of our role in the local community.


LAH is a cooperatively run not-for-profit, well-established, artist-led organisation, located in an elegant historic building in Lewisham. LAH is currently based in a Carnegie library, formerly Deptford Central Library, Grade II listed, 1910 -1914 Designed by A. Brumwell Thomas (1868 -1948). You can read more about the architectural history here and a timeline of the organisation, founded in 1992 is here


Our main activity is studio provision, and we have over 40 artist studio holder ‘members’. Besides renting space, each studio member commits at least 5 hours per month, meaning that the organisation is largely self-run and managed. As a place where artists and communities can learn, share, and collaborate, Lewisham Arthouse activities include educational and community workshops, public events and exhibitions, as well as offsite outreach education work across the borough.

The current SEAL board includes:


• John Drewitt (Chair), Retired Consultant at Forsters Solicitors


• Amanda Francis, University Lecturer (UEL) and long-term artist-member of LAH studios


• Nick Haseltine, Architect


• Mark Waugh, Director of Business Development at Design and Artist Copyright Society.


LAH is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. If you have an access requirement/s upon application we will do our best to accommodate you and use it as an opportunity to develop our inclusivity standards.

For more information about the role description, person specification and the current organisational affairs, please contact Reuben Thurnhill, General Manager: reuben.thurnhill@lewishamarthouse.org.uk
Deadline: 30th September 2022, 5pm


Role description:


The trustee position is voluntary. The board meets 3 times a year for 1.5-2 hours.
Whilst expertise of a particular trustee might be called upon between meetings this is generally only in an advisory capacity, with consultants and contractors employed to undertake major tasks. Trustees’ responsibilities are covered by
Charity Commission guidelines found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-trustee-whats-involved


Person specification:


• Network and support the development of our cultural capital and programmes at Lewisham Art House in collaboration with the Co-operative that manages the resources of studio and exhibition spaces

• Ideally we are looking for experience in fundraising, educational outreach, stakeholder management and insights into the drivers of cultural transformation at a local and national level.
• Understand the opportunity for high quality arts provision in this context.



Current organisational affairs:


• The affordable rates of studios are made possible through a no-rent license agreement between LAH co-op and Lewisham Council.

• The council requested that the co-op adopt a clearly accountable
organisational structure and as part of this process LAH applied and
successfully set up the charity South East Arts London (SEAL) in 2015 (Registered Charity No: 28058R).

• The trustees, appointed to manage SEAL, are currently supporting a business plan to transfer responsibility for the upkeep of the building from Lewisham Council to SEAL, who would like to take on a long-term lease.

• LAH currently has healthy finances, with a robust amount of cash in the accounts ready for reinvestment and further responsibilities when the lease is taken on. The key source of revenue is studio rent. The organisations’ operations are run by one paid administrator and the members through working groups.
• A recent building survey concludes there is no major structural work required and the building (insurable rebuild cost) is valued at £6.5m.

• The trustees recently secured LAH’s Asset of Community Value status, protecting the building from redevelopment for 5 years.
• Planned investment over the next five years includes further opening up the building to the public with some cosmetic work done to the front-of-house area to create a more welcoming environment and increased accessibility, including additional facilities based on the ground floor.

• LAH are looking at ways to improve access and inclusion for all. Last year members established an access and inclusion committee, appointed an inclusion consultant and have agreed to dedicate a percentage of profits towards training and programming in this area.

Application info:


Please send a cover letter (max 1 page) and a brief CV to LAH General Manager: reuben.thurnhill@lewishamarthouse.org.uk

Deadline: 30th September 2022, 5pm



Open Studios 2022


24th – 25th September 2022, 12-6pm

Explore artists studios, meet the artists, buy art at affordable prices or just have a look around at our Grade II listed historic building.

Lewisham Arthouse supports over 40 artists, as well as arts-based learning, through creative workspace and specialist facilities. We run a varied exhibition and events programme of visual art and live performance. This echoes the original intentions of the Carnegie library building we occupy – to enrich communities by nurturing their creativity.

Open 12-6pm Saturday and Sunday
Free entry
Café with homemade food
Free guided tours daily at 2pm and 4pm (meet in the entrance hall)
Live performances
Childrens’ art trail
Step free access to ground floor – please see our access information for more details (scroll down)

Lewisham Arthouse
140 Lewisham Way
London SE14 6PD
www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk


Graduate award scheme 2022


Deadline: Sunday 11th September 2022.

Lewisham Arthouse is a 25 year old artist-run cooperative based in South East London. It houses an eclectic group of cultural practitioners whose work spans sculpture, painting, experimental sound, sculpture, set design, textile, social practice, printmaking, photography and beyond. Continuing our commitment to support emerging artists, we are very pleased to announce the 10th round of our Graduate Studio Award Scheme and invite all recent London-based (or those relocating) graduate visual artists to apply.

The award offers recent graduates a fantastic, free opportunity to continue developing their practice in a 200ft studio based within our artist-led cooperative. The scheme encourages the selected artist to utilise our facilities, participate in and draw on our lively community to produce and present new work. Towards the end of the scheme, the awardee will be invited to share the outcomes of the residency in a form of their choosing (past awardees have hosted events, presented exhibitions, symposium and even organised gigs).

We work to support artists, their audiences and wider communities; providing platforms and occasions for encounter, learning and making. The Arthouse provides artist studios, bookable space and specialist workshops, a programme of events and exhibitions as well as regularly contributing to local initiatives.

To apply please download and read the following –
Graduate Award Application info 2022
and fill in the following –
Equal Opportunities Form 2022

For queries contact graduateaward@lewishamarthouse.org.uk
Applications can be emailed or posted.


Graduate award scheme 2021


Deadline: Sunday 5th September 2021.

>>> DOWNLOAD FULL APPLICATION INFO (Word document) <<

Lewisham Arthouse is a 25 year old artist-run cooperative based in South East London. It houses an eclectic group of cultural practitioners whose work spans sculpture, painting, experimental sound, sculpture, set design, textile, social practice, printmaking, photography and beyond. Continuing our commitment to support emerging artists, we are very pleased to announce the 10th round of our Graduate Studio Award Scheme and invite all recent London-based (or those relocating) graduate visual artists to apply.

The award offers recent graduates a fantastic, free opportunity to continue developing their practice in a 200ft studio based within our artist-led cooperative. The scheme encourages the selected artist to utilise our facilities, participate in and draw on our lively community to produce and present new work. Towards the end of the scheme, the awardee will be invited to share the outcomes of the residency in a form of their choosing (past awardees have hosted events, presented exhibitions, symposium and even organised gigs).

We work to support artists, their audiences and wider communities; providing platforms and occasions for encounter, learning and making. The Arthouse provides artist studios, bookable space and specialist workshops, a programme of events and exhibitions as well as regularly contributing to local initiatives.

Download the full application info here (Word document)
For queries contact graduateaward@lewishamarthouse.org.uk
Applications can be emailed or posted.


Studio sublet available


Deadline to apply: 30 October 2019, 6pm
from 1 December 2019

Studio G1 – 12month sublet 229 sq ft at £127.72 per month

Studio G1 is on the Ground Floor and has natural light
Deadline to apply: 30 October 2019, 6pm
Shortlisted Applicants will be contacted for interview shortly after this date.
Interviews will be held: The week commencing 11 November

Lewisham Arthouse is pleased to announce that we have a new studio available for a 6 month sublet commencing from the 1st August. We are an artist run cooperative based in the old Deptford library on Lewisham way. Studio rent includes electricity, water, building insurance and service charges. Access to WiFi and an outdoor working area is also available. 

Besides paying rent studio members are required to contribute at least 5 hours work per month in support of Lewisham Arthouse. These work hours provide staffing for our Learning, Exhibition and Events programmes as well as the running of the building and keep both the studio rents and facilities affordable.  Roles are hands-on and include; working on the rolling program of exhibitions and events, fundraising, implementing education programmes, PR, health and safety and building maintenance. It’s a great way to gain professional skills and valuable experience of working within an active and friendly community organisation. Studio membership is allocated according to artistic consistency, the qualities a candidate can offer the working cooperative, a positive attitude and a commitment to be present in Lewisham Arthouse for a minimum amount of time each month. We are an equal opportunities group and will endeavor to meet each individuals needs as much as possible.

If you are your interesting in joining The Lewisham Arthouse Studio Cooperative please do send an application in. Below is the information that we require in the application. Please apply either over email to studios@lewishamarthouse.org.uk or by post to:
The Lewisham Arthouse 
FAO Allocations
140 Lewisham Way
London
SE14 6PD

Application procedure:
* A statement (no more than 500 words) outlining your practice and areas of interest and an indication of how you wish to use this opportunity
*A statement (no more than 350 words) highlighting what you could contribute and how the cooperative would work for you.
* Artists CV (no more than 2 sides of A4)
* Equal opportunities form – click to download here (word .doc)
* CD or files with up to ten images or for time-based work DVD (pieces or excerpts should be no longer than 5 minutes). If you are sending over email where possible please keep the files to a reasonable size. We will except whatever format is easiest for you to render the work in.
* Corresponding list of titles, media and dimensions should be included.
* Two details of references we can contact if your application is successful

Please note that due to the high number of applications we will not be contacting those who are not shortlisted and will be unable to offer feedback.  For the same reason we are also unable to organize viewings prior to the interview.

If you have any queries regarding your application please contact us at studios@lewishamarthouse.org.uk and we will respond as soon possible.

Please note that sublets are not members of Lewisham Arthouse and cannot be guaranteed a permanent studio.


Open studios

Open studios

21st-22nd September 2019

Explore artists studios, meet the artists, buy art at affordable prices or just have a look around. This year we’ll be also be running a children’s workshop, screening artists films, and our vegetarian and vegan café is back.
We are excited to be part of Open House London, and we’ll be running tours of the building and have materials from our archive on display.

Lewisham Arthouse supports artists and arts-based learning through creative workspace and specialist facilities. We run a varied exhibition and events programme of visual art and live performance. This echoes the original intentions of the Carnegie library building we occupy – to enrich communities by nurturing their creativity.

Saturday 21st 12 – 6pm
Sunday 22nd 12 – 6pm
Free entry
Step free access

Lewisham Arthouse
140 Lewisham Way
London SE14 6PD
www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk


Graduate award scheme

Graduate studio award call

Deadline: Sunday 22nd September 2019

Lewisham Arthouse is a 25 year old artist-run cooperative based in South East London. It houses an eclectic group of cultural practitioners whose work spans sculpture, painting, experimental sound, sculpture, set design, textile, social practice, printmaking, photography and beyond. Continuing our commitment to support emerging artists, we are very pleased to announce the 10th round of our Graduate Studio Award Scheme and invite all recent London-based (or those relocating) graduate visual artists to apply.

The award offers recent graduates a fantastic, free opportunity to continue developing their practice in a 200ft studio based within our artist-led cooperative. The scheme encourages the selected artist to utilise our facilities, participate in and draw on our lively community to produce and present new work. Towards the end of the scheme, the awardee will be invited to share the outcomes of the residency in a form of their choosing (past awardees have hosted events, presented exhibitions, symposium and even organised gigs).

We work to support artists, their audiences and wider communities; providing platforms and occasions for encounter, learning and making. The Arthouse provides artist studios, bookable space and specialist workshops, a programme of events and exhibitions as well as regularly contributing to local initiatives.

Click here to find out how to apply

For any queries contact graduateaward@lewishamarthouse.org.uk
The Lewisham Arthouse 
140 Lewisham Way
London
SE14 6PD


Studio sublet available

Studio sublet available

Deadline to apply June 30th 2019, 6pm
from August 1st 2019

Studio B6 – 6month sublet 114 sq ft at £63.45 per month 

Studio B6 is in the basement, has natural light and a locking door
Deadline to apply: 30th  June 2019, 6pm. 
Shortlisted Applicants will be contacted for interview shortly after this date.
Interviews will be held: The week commencing 14th July

Lewisham Arthouse is pleased to announce that we have a new studio available for a 6 month sublet commencing from the 1st August. We are an artist run cooperative based in the old Deptford library on Lewisham way. Studio rent includes electricity, water, building insurance and service charges. Access to WiFi and an outdoor working area is also available. 

Besides paying rent studio members are required to contribute at least 5 hours work per month in support of Lewisham Arthouse. These work hours provide staffing for our Learning, Exhibition and Events programmes as well as the running of the building and keep both the studio rents and facilities affordable.  Roles are hands-on and include; working on the rolling program of exhibitions and events, fundraising, implementing education programmes, PR, health and safety and building maintenance. It’s a great way to gain professional skills and valuable experience of working within an active and friendly community organisation. Studio membership is allocated according to artistic consistency, the qualities a candidate can offer the working cooperative, a positive attitude and a commitment to be present in Lewisham Arthouse for a minimum amount of time each month. We are an equal opportunities group and will endeavor to meet each individuals needs as much as possible.

If you are your interesting in joining The Lewisham Arthouse Studio Cooperative please do send an application in. Below is the information that we require in the application. Please apply either over email to studios@lewishamarthouse.org.uk or by post to:
The Lewisham Arthouse 
FAO Allocations
140 Lewisham Way
London
SE14 6PD

Application procedure:
* A statement (no more than 500 words) outlining your practice and areas of interest and an indication of how you wish to use this opportunity
*A statement (no more than 350 words) highlighting what you could contribute and how the cooperative would work for you.
* Artists CV (no more than 2 sides of A4)
* Equal opportunities form – click to download here (word .doc)
* CD or files with up to ten images or for time-based work DVD (pieces or excerpts should be no longer than 5 minutes). If you are sending over email where possible please keep the files to a reasonable size. We will except whatever format is easiest for you to render the work in.
* Corresponding list of titles, media and dimensions should be included.
* Two details of references we can contact if your application is successful

Please note that due to the high number of applications we will not be contacting those who are not shortlisted and will be unable to offer feedback.  For the same reason we are also unable to organize viewings prior to the interview.

If you have any queries regarding your application please contact us at studios@lewishamarthouse.org.uk and we will respond as soon possible.

Please note that sublets are not members of Lewisham Arthouse and cannot be guaranteed a permanent studio.


Come and work with us

access and inclusion consultant

Deadline 2nd May 2019

Lewisham Arthouse is looking at ways in which to improve access and inclusion for all: for the artists that apply for studios here, for people attending events and taking part in workshops, and for the current members themselves. LAH is also seeking to further reflect and advocate for the interests of the local community as a space that centre on wellbeing.

We are currently seeking a consultant to support us in examining our existing internal processes and to help us identify the changes we need to make and the training we should acquire in order to embed accessibility & inclusivity in Lewisham Arthouse.

See the full job description here

Please email info@lewishamarthouse.org.uk with a CV, expression of interest and short description of why you are right for the role.


Decolonising The Archive

Decolonise the archive

Recipients of the 2019 Project Space Residency

Decolonising The Archive(DTA) is the recipient of the Lewisham Arthouse 2019 Project Space Residency award. They will be curating and creating with a seasoning of artists, to cook up a social marinated response to the the history of migration in Lewisham and the legacy of the Windrush. Join us, in purposeful celebration of their 2019 Residency at Lewshiam Arthouse Project Space and travel through time on our Afro -futureship.

From 12th of April to the 5th May drop in to find out more about the project & contribute stories: Tues to Thurs 12pm – 4pm.

April 11th Opening Night 6pm to 9pm : DTA presents a world where Theatre, History, Archives, Art and Afro – Futurism meet for an isnpired Journey into The Windrush Time Capsule.

Travel through time to understand the transforming power of traditional culture, African cosmology and healing a village through alchemy as a formula to defeat the trauma of migration. This moment in time is hosted by a play reading performance of The Windrush Time Capsule betwixt the artworks of painter and sculpture Deanio X, who will have first time viewings of work inspired by the play.

April 12 – 14th 12pm to 5pm : Deanio X private viewing of art work inspired by The play Windrush Time Capsule.

Deanio X is a is self taught intuitive artist, guided by the great and terrible people around him as well as his own instincts. As such his projects tend to be focused around personal questions that are only answerable via social observation or engagement.

April 18th 10am to 1pm – Family Drawing/ illustration Workshop with an added twist of Art Therapy based on the play called Windrush Time Capsule (visit gallery to learn about the hertitage and legacies of the Windrush Time Capusle) this session will be led by Jean Campbell.

Free entry
Step-free access

This is project is made possible by a Project Grant from the Arts Council England.


2 studios available


Deadline to apply 2nd March 2019
from April 1st 2019

Studio G5 (pictured above) – permanent space 173sqft £93.60 per month available from 1 April
Studio G10b (not pictured) – 6 month sublet 96sqft £53.60 available from 1 April

Both studios are partitioned spaces on the ground floor with natural light.
Deadline to apply: 2 March 2019, 6pm.

Shortlisted Applicants will be contacted for interview shortly after this date.

Please note that due to the high number of applications we will not be contacting those who are not shortlisted and will be unable to offer feedback. For the same reason we are also unable to organise viewings prior to the interview.

Application procedure:

*A statement (no more than 500 words) outlining your practice and areas of interest and an indication of how you wish to use this opportunity
*A statement (no more than 350 words) highlighting what you could contribute and how the cooperative would work for you.
* CV (no more than 2 sides of A4)
* up to ten images or for time-based work (pieces or excerpts should be no longer than 5 minutes).
* Corresponding list of titles, media and dimensions should be included (please do not send originals).
* We will accept hard copy or email applications.

If you are interested in applying for these studios please go to our website for more information about our organisation www.lewishamarthouse.org.uk

Contact: studios@lewishamarthouse.org.uk

Please note that sublets are not members of Lewisham Arthouse and cannot be guaranteed a permanent studio.


Lewisham Arthouse Open Studios

Open studios 2018
22nd-23rd September 2018

Lewisham Arthouse opens its doors, offering you a chance to experience a range of new artworks. Wander around the warren of studios, talk to the artists about their work, buy original pieces or simply enjoy the grandeur of a beautiful Edwardian building. Tours of the building will run twice daily at 2pm and 4pm, plus a special kids fun trail for families. Our pop-up café is back to provide a wide selection of scrumptious handmade cakes, savoury nibbles and drinks, as well as a bar and DJ’s on the opening night.

Our project space features group exhibition by members of Lewisham Arthouse, as part of Deptford X Fringe. ExLibris looks to explore the local area both socially and geographically, scoping varied histories and possible futures. To top it all off we have a special programme of performances throughout the weekend.

Saturday 22nd September 12 – 8pm
Sunday 23rd September 12 – 6pm

ExLibris
22nd September – 1st of October
Weds – Sun 12 – 6pm

Performance program
Saturday 22 September

2.00pm
Gallery Space
30 mins duration Raju Rage: There’s More at Stake than 5 Metres of Cloth

3.30pm
Gallery Space
30 mins duration Charles Hayward Drumming Solo

4.30pm
Gallery Space
3 mins duration Lucienne Cole: REACH

Sunday 23 September

3.00pm
Gallery Space
3 mins duration Lucienne Cole: REACH

4.00pm
Gallery Space
60 mins duration Fanny Aboulker: An Hour of Communal Reading

Part of Deptford X and Open House London


Arthouse Winterfair 2016

winterfair

Lewisham Arthouse’s ever popular Winter Fair returns on Saturday 10th December 2016.

We will be offering lots of lovely gifts and art for your delight and possibly seasonal presents for you friends and family. Everything from paintings, posters, prints, ceramics, mosaics, jewellery, sculpture and digital art, to crafted fashion accessories.

There will be a tasty food bar run by Marta Addari, our local Vegan/vegetarian caterer Chef on Menu. A splendid mulled wine stall run by Lewisham Arthouse plus great vibes from our in-house DJ, fabulous festive decor, and of course the friendly face of Lewisham Arthouse to meet and greet you all.

It’s a free event and all are welcome, we have wheelchair access and there will be some fun stalls for children to look at.

Open: 11.00am – 6.00pm
For more information email: winterfair@lewishamarthouse.org.uk


Thank you LDG

ldg

Lewisham Arthouse would like to say a huge thank you to the London Drawing Group who recently completed their tenure as the Arthouse’s first curators in residence.

LDG presented an ambitious and highly successful program of exhibitions, workshops and talks. All the workshops were offered free of charge with an ethos of inclusivity and an agenda to demystify the act of drawing “breaking down contextual barriers and helping people to engage in the playful, unpredictable and unknown aspects of art making”.

The residency was structured around a series of four exhibitions. Individual shows by each of the three members of LDG acted as the starting point for the three weeks of workshops, culminating in a community exhibition, showcasing the artworks made by the participants of the workshops. Lucy, Frances and Luisa worked tirelessly preparing, promoting and presenting all elements of the program and it was excellent to see the project space as a buzzing hive of activity throughout.

Following on from this their next project is a series of workshops at the British Museum – check out the available events on their Eventbrite page (http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/london-drawing-group-11299197571).

To follow their ongoing activities you can visit their website: www.londondrawinggroup.com

The Lewisham Arthouse Curatorial Open will be running again next year with application details becoming available in 2017.


Spotlight Interview 03 : Chris Alton

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[toggle]Image credits Laura X Carlé[/toggle]

Interview
An interview with Chris Alton, our 2015 winner of the Graduate Studio Award. We have been very proud to have Chris with us, and as he enters the final quarter, we ask him to reflect about his time here.

Can you introduce yourself?

My artworks often draw upon multiple, seemingly un-associated, cultural phenomena. Whether deploying disco music against xenophobia or playing table tennis in competition with aggressive architecture, I seek to highlight unlikely parallels and produce bizarre situations. Through these, I aim to implement or imagine alternative ways of being in the world. This desire stems from my Quaker upbringing, which resonates throughout my practice.

You won this years graduate studio award, how has this impacted on your work? What do you get from working in a studio community?

Winning this award has given me the time and space to focus on and develop a number of projects that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. The opportunity to realise an interim-project and a concluding solo exhibition (in May 2016) is fantastic as space is so scarce in London – especially free space.

The Arthouse community is great, people are incredibly generous and have often offered their support on projects, from lending kit to helping to build a stage – complete with sparkling curtains, lighting and mirrorballs.

Are you a self-taught artist or have you been to art school? Has this helped shape the artist you have become?

It’s impossible to imagine the hypothetical artist that I would have become if I’d pursued a different route, but I don’t think that my time at art school was what shaped me. I’d like to think that my practice has been influenced more by my upbringing as a Quaker and by encounters with particular people and artworks.

Which exhibition have you visited which made the greatest impact on you and why?

There are two. I saw them at around the same time; during the summer of 2012, between my first and second years of University. The first was Yael Bartana’s And Europe Will Be Stunned, a trilogy of films following the rise of a fictitious political movement, called the Jewish Renaissance Movement in Poland. The second was Joy in People, Jeremy Deller’s solo show at The Hayward Gallery. These exhibitions triggered a pretty radical change in my own practice by showing me that art could actively engage with society and its current issues.

Who and/or what inspired you to become an artist?

My Mum.

Discuss a recent project, exhibition or event you have been involved in.

I had my first solo exhibition in September 2015 at the Edith-Russ-Haus in Oldenburg (GER). I won one of two emerging media artists awards with my ongoing project English Disco Lovers (EDL) (2012 – present), a satirical campaign that redeploys the utopian vision of disco music in opposition to the English Defence League. The exhibition featured photographs, posters, videos and other materials from the project, as well as a 4 meter-wide, glittery hashtag.

Do you see collaborative practice and working with others as an important part of your practice?

Absolutely, I often develop works through conversations and collaborations with a number of people. Recently I’ve been trying to develop a more inclusive crediting system for my projects, so that the people involved are acknowledged and thanked. It works in a similar way to the credits at the end of a film or TV programme.

How do you use the studio and what you do in there? Do you have studio rituals?

I always begin by making a coffee, the Arthouse is pretty cold in winter and something hot with a little caffeine gets me off to a good start. The wifi in my space is dreadful, so I often take a little wander down the corridor to answer my emails and buffer an album. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of mid-’60s rock. Then I crack on with whatever I’m working on at that time, which tends to be pretty varied – I could be writing a script, editing photos, trying out wallpaintings or making watercolours of shells.

How does the studio become a part of your everyday life and work?

I actually find that it’s a place to get away from my everyday life. Instead of doing the washing up, scrolling through endless cat memes or alphabetising the book case, my studio is a place where I can put the distractions of home to one side and focus on my work.

What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any forthcoming exhibitions to promote?

I have my first solo exhibition in London opening on February 25th at xero, kline & coma. It’s a project that I’ve been working on for over 7 months now, in which a fictitious band is used as a vehicle to explore the exploitation of post-colonial countries as tax havens.

Will you be showing work at Open Studios? If so, what can the public expect to see?

My studio, slightly tidier (but not much tidier) than it normally is. I’ll probably empty the bin. I have lots of diagrams and mind maps on the walls, along with exhibition floorplans, scribbled ideas and simple doodles. There are a few finished pieces hanging around, but it’s mostly populated by work in progress and fresh ideas that may never get realised.