Open Plan is a long term public art and education project which invites international and British artists to create artworks with and for the SLG’s close neighbours on Elmington, Pelican and Sceaux Gardens housing estates, along with a programme of events at the gallery.
Building on the gallery’s work with local residents over the past decade, Open Plan aims to further challenge notions of what culture can do and who can be involved in it. Each year on Pelican estate, two artists will produce ambitious original public artworks inviting residents to experience and participate in the production of the work. In summer 2017, artist and designer Morag Myerscough launched Art Block with her commission The Club Under My House, a bespoke installation created with children from the Sceaux Gardens Estate through workshops exploring pattern making, poetry and 2D design.
Open Plan also provides a new creative space on Sceaux Gardens estate, Art Block, a place for local children and families to make things, be creative, and play. Art Block also hosts two artists’ commissions a year which visually transform the space.
On Elmington estate the SLG’s Art & Play team work with emerging artists to deliver free outdoor after-school activities on Wednesdays during term time.
For the inaugural residency on Pelican estate in autumn 2017, artist Jessie Brennan has been working with local residents to create Your Words, a project which invites residents to share their voice and have their words transformed into large and small sculptural installations across the estate.
At the heart of the Open Plan is a full time gallery traineeship aimed at young people who are looking for alternatives to studying at university. The training programme offers a range of experience across the SLG’s operations whilst providing a focus on the work with artists and residents on the estates.
To find out more about Open Plan please contact Jack James, Residents’ Programme Manager jack@southlondongallery.org or call +44 20 7703 6120.
Open Plan is supported by the Freelands Foundation, with additional funds from Southwark Council’s Youth and Play Grant Programme and other donors.
