Drop, Drop, Make Lake
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HOMELESS ARTISTS STAGE INDEPENDENT EXHIBITION
A group of homeless and vulnerably housed artists in central London’s Fitzrovia have partnered with a local gallery to host their first major exhibition.
The Coningsby Gallery, close to Goodge Street underground is generously donating its space to the up and coming community group. On Wednesday 28th August there will be a private view held in the gallery where artists living on the streets, in sheltered accommodation and on the margins of society will display their works for sale.
Fitzrovia has always had a creative side, at various times being home to Virginia Woolf, George Bernard Shaw and Arthur Rimbaud. However, as big money investment comes to Fitzrovia, community groups, such as ARTfitzrovia, bring together the less affluent side of this central London district to give a sense of community.
ARTfitzrovia primarily meet on a weekly basis, where the members paint, draw and discuss topics which are important to them. The group was born out of the Soup Kitchen at the American church where a small art group was held, this was developed further by long term local resident and artist Fiona Green.
Now held in the community space at Allsouls Clubhouse, the members of ARTfitzrovia have full ownership of the group, set the agenda and aim to run the group as an independent collective. Part of this will be to create revenue from selling their work and paying for the space and materials. Until then, the group is supported by small donations and volunteers.
If you are interested in attending the private view and supporting this group to independence, please make contact.
Key dates Wednesday 28th August 2013 7pm – Private view 29th – 31st August 2013 – Public view
Coningsby Gallery, 30 Tottenham Street, London, W1T 4RJ
Contact
Jacob Evans | 07790402884 | 1jacobevans@gmail.com
ARTfitzrovia – www.artfitzrovia.org
ARTfitzrovia What we do - We host a weekly art group for homeless and marginally housed adults in central London. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space where our members can relax and find comfort in producing art work. In addition we organise trips to London art shows to offer inspiration and insight into the London art scene. Why we do it - The weekly meetings are held on a Monday evening, often when there are no other activates for our members to benefit from. Evenings are often a lonely time for people who sleep on the street. We have an unconditional entry but require the members to develop a style and interest in a certain area. This results in only those who are motivated enough to turn up and use their time in a productive way. Who benefits - Our members have a multitude of issues from mental health illnesses to substance abuse problems and often come to the group to escape from their despondent lives. The group is designed to give the members ownership of the organisation. The independence and responsibility this enables the group to have, builds their confidence and ability to interact in a community, ultimately skilling the members up to become beneficial participants in society.