ARTSDEPOT20, ARTSDEPOT, LONDON
Project context
The team at artsdepot sought to reflect on 20 years of its story so far, its culture, the people and moments that have shaped it. They wanted to explore what it means to be a major community arts centre and a charity, both rooted in the London Borough of Barnet and connected far beyond it.
With a small amount of NHLF funding they sought a heritage professional to co-curate an exhibition alongside a new set of volunteers and new volunteer manager.
Role
I worked closely with volunteers and staff at artsdepot to develop the interpretation strategy for the exhibition. We explored the stories and content assets, themes and messages, then agreed where best to tell these across the centre’s public spaces and online. We gave the volunteers oral history training and involved them with a variety of tasks including interviewing people who have shaped and been shaped by their connection with artsdepot.
Impact
The exhibition has been well received and has started some new volunteer relationships with the centre. The work to research and refine artsdepot’s themes and stories has helped to show the impact the centre has had on many lives and its huge value to the local community and the arts in London. This has fed into wider strategic work and fundraising bids for capital repairs and development.
“Volunteering at the artsdepot as part of the exhibition curation team has been a truly great experience and connected me with so many different people, fellow volunteers, staff and those who use
artsdepot creatively. Interviewing people about their memories really brought the place alive for me! And made me feel part of the community here”
Messaging around artsdepot’s charitable status and funding. Photo © Devorah Moritz
Child listening to story of key person connected to artsdepot, triggered by RFID tag.
Photo © Devorah Moritz
Visitor response: ‘What connects you to artsdepot?’. Photo © Devorah Moritz
New object labels for existing artworks, drawing out stories of artsdepot’s impact.
Photo © Devorah Moritz
Client: artsdepot, Finchley, London
Heritage consultant: Devorah Moritz
Heritage producer: Holly Wallis, artsdepot team
Co-creation volunteers: Megan Hague, Talya Masters, Nicci Price, Giorgia Spina, China Yeung
Artist commission: Maja Quille
Illustrator: Parys Gardener
Graphic designer: Malcolm Reid
Songwriter: Stephen Ireton