Our neighbourhood is a living, breathing canvas, constantly evolving with creativity. Camberwell Arts trustee Kelly Blaney picks out some of the highlights
The South London Gallery is a must-see, consistently showcasing exciting contemporary art with free entry and impressive installations. Don’t miss Camberwell Space at
Camberwell College of Arts, offering a multidisciplinary programme of residencies and exhibitions, all free.
For unique experiences, discover Outhouse Gallery, a small, independent space in a former public toilet in Brunswick Park, dedicated to facilitating art initiatives, with free
exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Another fantastic addition is Graces Mews gallery, a photography-led space with three exhibition areas and a darkroom, hosting both
commercial and non-commercial shows.
Public art: look up, look around
Camberwell’s art spills on to our streets, nowhere more dynamically than at Denmark Hill station, rapidly evolving into one of South London’s most imaginative public art
destinations.
Look out for Stephan Balkenhol’s striking painted bronze sculpture, Couple, bringing a human moment to the platform.
Watch out for future works, including an illuminated tree sculpture by David Batchelor, designed to surprise commuters.
Beyond the station, keen students of Japanese art will notice something odd about the homage to Hokusai’s famous Great Wave off Kanagawa painting in Coldharbour Place. The mural, by Dominic Swords, actually reverses the wave. It is these hidden details and ambitious projects that make walking through Camberwell a constant discovery.
Open Studios and our famous festivals
Our Open Studios truly capture Camberwell’s art spirit. This is your chance to step into the private worlds of local artists, meet them in person, see their creative spaces and discover an extraordinary range of work, from sculpture and paintings to ceramics and textiles.
Open Studios are a cornerstone of our Camberwell Arts Festival (13 – 22 June this year), one of the longest-running visual arts festivals in the UK. The theme for this year’s festival, REVELRY, is a celebration of joy, playfulness and community. REVELRY invites artists, makers and neighbours to come together and take part.
Be part of the art: an invitation to join in
This year, you can become part of the festival by joining us to create a beautiful community patchwork quilt representing our vibrant neighbourhood. We are inviting everyone, with or without sewing experience, as your only qualification is enthusiasm.
Your small patch will contribute to a stunning work of art, displayed in the front window of Camberwell Library during the festival for the whole community to see.
This is just one example of how you can move beyond being a spectator. Camberwell Arts is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers. Helping with a project like the quilt, organising our festivals, or supporting exhibitions are rewarding ways to connect with artists and residents, and to play a vital role in shaping Camberwell’s creative future.
We invite you to be part of it. Join us and help keep Camberwell inspiring
