A new creative project is inviting people to explore some of the lesser-known history and character of Bankside in south London.
The Layers of Bankside project, which is running until 27 August, is being held at Arch 23 on The Low Line, a network of former Victorian railway arches.
Image: Arch 23
People taking part will explore the area through activities including sound recording, ‘earth listening’, collecting personal stories and visits to lesser-known areas.
The programme is being led by sound artist Kat Pegler and creative urbanist Helen Kearney of Kerbside Collective, which has been appointed Better Bankside’s first ‘Alchemist in Residence’.
Pegler and Kearney plan to turn Arch 23 into a temporary living exhibition, while also producing a new public artwork and an audio trail for the wider neighbourhood.
To say Bankside has a fascinating history would be an understatement. During the 12th and 16th centuries it was home to theatres, taverns and bear-baiting venues and it was outside the City of London’s jurisdiction.
However, the opening of Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe around the turn of the millennium helped establish the area as a major cultural and business destination.
Nicole Gordon, Better Bankside CEO said: ‘Bankside is a world-class neighbourhood with a special character and rich heritage. With globalisation resulting in homogenous city cores, it is Bankside’s distinct identity that makes our incredible district stand apart and keeps it in demand.
‘As the business improvement district for the area, we see ourselves as guardians of Bankside’s identity and are uniquely placed to tell its story. The aim of the ‘Alchemist in Residence’ project is to use experimental creativity to amplify and uncover Bankside’s otherness as this is one of our strongest assets.’
Kat Pegler (above, left) and Helen Kearney (right) of Kerbside Collective said: ‘Bankside is one of the most exciting and intriguing places to explore in London so being involved in helping to bring more of its unique identity to the surface is a privilege.
‘We are using unusual, experimental approaches that should help reveal completely new aspects of the area’s uniqueness and we want as many Banksiders as possible to get involved. Co-creating with real workers and residents will uncover hidden stories and ensure the end result is really dynamic and refreshing.’
In related news:
Leave a Reply