As part of London College of Communication’s ongoing support to our cultural neighbours, we’re featuring a monthly round-up of some of the online and in-person activities provided by the fantastic museums, galleries and cultural venues in our local area.
From Instagram drawing clubs to virtual exhibitions, artist profiles, video demonstrations, film screenings, performances and more, here’s our guide to what you can stay involved with our Southwark and Lambeth friends and partners.
Week starting: 31 May 2021
Creative Elephant Launch – Online
Creative Elephant is a celebration of the galleries, dance studios, theatres, museums, creative education institutions, clubs, and much more all based in and around Elephant & Castle.
Through this online platform and related activities, Creative Elephant showcases what’s on offer in the area by providing up-to-date information on local venues.
Creative Elephant hopes to inspire local communities and visitors to engage, enjoy, collaborate and support this rich and diverse creative hub.
Explore Creative Elephant.
No footpath at ground level at Yard Café – In-person
Throughout June
An exhibition of painting and print on tin of the Heygate Estate by Reuben Powell, throughout May and June 2021.
Ruben Powell has lived and worked in Elephant & Castle for more than 35 years. His work focuses on the fast-changing landscapes of his local neighbourhood, the disappearance of the old and emergence of the new.
Check out No footpath at ground level at Yard Café.
Simple Gifts at Southbank Centre – Online
Wednesday 26 May – 2 June 2021
A broadcasted performance from the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Alina Ibragimova.
New worlds for old: between the wars, one of the most popular names in home-grown classical music was a Black British composer from Holborn.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s ‘Hiawatha’ used to draw sell-out crowds, and when you hear its overture, you’ll be astonished it was ever forgotten.
Then, Ibragimova breathes sparkling new life into Prokofiev’s Russian fairy tale of a First Violin Concerto.
Find out more about Simple Gifts at Southbank Centre.
Blackness in Contemporary Art Practices with Tate – Online
Tuesday 1 June, 4-7.45pm
Explore how contemporary African artists deal with the question of Blackness.
This panel considers ways in which contemporary African artists, curators and writers deal with the question of Blackness in their work. I asks how an African experience of Blackness differs from that of the diaspora and from country to country.
Speakers include Nomusa Makhubu, Minna Salami and Suzana Sousa. The panel will be chaired by Portia Malatiie, Adjunct Curator of Africa and African Diaspora at the Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational, and will include an opportunity for questions and contributions for the audience.
Find out more about Blackness in Contemporary Art Practice with Tate.
Errol's Garden with The Albany – In-person
Wednesday 2 June – Saturday 6 June, 1pm and 3pm
A brand-new interactive children’s musical, exploring community, imagination and a passion for plants. Filled with catchy songs, humour and imagination.
Errol is a young boy living in the inner city who longs for his own garden. After running out of room for plants in his flat, he dreams of having a garden of his own. He discovers that his flat has a rooftop that would make the perfect garden, so he invites his neighbours to join him to transform it.
Errol’s Garden encourages children to joyfully use their ideas to make a positive impact on their local community.
Find out more about Errol’s Garden at The Albany.
Kennington Bioscope – Solax, the House Built by Alice Guy Blanché with The Cinema Museum – Online
Wednesday 2 June, 7.30pm
The KBTV presentation brings together 9 films directed and/or produced by pioneering female filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché (1873 – 1968) at the Solax Sutdios USA from 1911-13.
The films have been sourced from several archives in collaboration with WSS, many of which have been newly restored and digitised. The films will be accompanied by original scores by leading silent film accompanists, with introductions by film historians and archivists.
Find out more about the Kennington Bioscope – Solax, the House Built by Alice Guy Blanché with The Cinema Museum.
Inclusive Dance with Pembroke House – Online
Every Thursday, 4.30-5.30pm
Inclusive Dance is a contemporary dance and drama programme for young people with learning disabilities, aged between 16 and 25.
Participants learn movement and social skills that can be transferable to the world of work. They also develop arts-related technical skills, such as performing and improvisation that can be used in performing arts-related employment.
Find out more about Inclusive Dance with Pembroke House.
Painters' Drawing with the Drawing Room – Online
Thursday 3 June, 6-7pm
An online conversation between four painters on the role of drawing in their painting practice.
Join Drawing Biennial 2021 artists Marcus Cope, Emma Cousin, Nick Goss and Rachel Jones in conversation with Drawing Room Co-Director Mary Doyle.
Find out more about Painters’ Drawing with the Drawing Room.
Journeys Panel Discussion: Every Journey Leaves a Trace with Dulwich Picture Gallery – Online
Thursday 3 June. 7-8.30pm
Join Dulwich Picture Gallery for a discussion on the historic and contemporary experiences of artists that have migrated from elsewhere to England.
The discussion will touch upon reasons for migration, unearthing challenges, and the impact on art practices and lives.
The discussion will take place with Curator, Helen Hilyard; Artist, Sara Shamma; and activist, writer and public speaker Sereena Abbassi.
Find out more about Journeys Panel Discussion: Every Journey Leaves a Trace at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Percolate 2021: PC*DC's Dancehall Flamingos with Siobhan Davies Studios – Online
Thursday 3 June, 7.30pm
PC*DC (Posh Club Dance Club) presents a special project that will take place over Zoom, Dancehall Flamingos: The Film.
Nine dancehall flamingos have been hibernating alone for a year, slowly working on their plumage. Now, through the medium of virtual socials, a flock has formed.
Stretching their wings, cocking their yellow legs, they begin to dream, dance, reform and regroup.
Find out more about Percolate 2021: PC*DC’s Dancehall Flamingos with Siobhan Davies Studios.
Tomorrow's Warriors presents: Live at the Albany with KOMA
Sunday 6 June, 7.30-8pm
This final iteration of Live at the Albany will be the exciting 6-piece jazz collective, KOMA. Each musician has their individual voice, coming together to create a unique sound in jazz.
The band will be playing four fresh and original compositions developed by the band, from mysterious and moody jazz to upbeat saxophone-driven melodies and Latin-influenced piano.
Find out more about Tomorrow’s Warriors presents: Live at the Albany with KOMA.
Week starting: 24 May 2021
Independence to Now at South London Gallery – In-person
Wednesday 19 May – Sunday 19 September 2021
This exhibition explores the history of the South London Gallery since the 2003 exhibition ‘Independence’.
‘Independence’ reflected on the gallery’s separation from Southwark Council, which it had been part of for nearly a century.
The gallery’s fascinating history since that moment is presented in the Archive room, with digitised photographs, press releases, exhibition leaflets and much more available to browse.
Find out more about Independence to Now at South London Gallery.
How to Start Your Own Business with Elephant & Castle Community Hub – Online
Tuesday 25 May, 11am
Do you want to set up a business but aren’t sure where to start?
In this workshop, you will discuss various questions to ask yourself while setting up a business.
You will have the opportunity to learn about influences to business environments, different business types, the crucial importance of planning and where to get business support.
Find out more about How to Start Your Own Business with Elephant & Castle Community Hub.
The Flowering of English Chintz: 1800-1875 with Fashion & Textile Museum – Online
Thursday 27 May, 6-7.30pm
Join curator and world textile expert Mary Schoeser for this online lecture exploring English Chintz.
Chintzes are multi-coloured floral printed cottons that were widely known and loved in the 1800s and originated from India. Yet, during the first 75 years of the 19th century, British designers developed their own unique style.
The designs were influenced by the creation of English Gardens, the most famous of which is Kew Gardens, officially founded as a national botanical garden in 1840.
Find out more about The Flowering of English Chintz: 1800-1875 with Fashion & Textile Museum.
The Addams Family: The Musical at The Albany – Online and in-person
Wednesday 26 May – Saturday 29 May, 7pm (2pm matinée)
Trinity Laban’s BA3 Musical Theatre students welcome you to a livesteamed performance of ‘The Addams Family: The Musical’.
The musical is based on the well-known Addams Family cartoon characters created by Charles Addams. Join the ghoulish siblings, parents, uncles and grandparents in their day-to-day life.
Find out more about The Addams Family: The Musical at The Albany.
Creative Garden Outdoor Art Exhibition with Art in the Park – In-person
Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 May, 2-4pm
Artwork by participants of the Arts Council England-funded project, ‘Creative Garden’, which took place from January to May 2021, will be displayed outdoors in the Chumleigh Gardens and nearby studios.
There will be tours of the exhibition by the artists and some related art and gardening activities for visitors to join in with.
Find out more about Creative Garden Outdoor Art Exhibition with Art in the Park.
Art Sundays with Dulwich Picture Gallery – Online
Sunday 30 May, 2pm
Get inspired to make art at home with your family in these free online craft activities led by artist Francesca Centioni-Dene.
Entertain your kids as they explore making different artowrks inspired by nature and plans, celebrating the current Dulwich Picture Gallery exhibition, ‘Unearthed: Photography’s Roots’.
Each month in spring, a new Art Sundays activity will be posted on the Dulwich Picture Gallery YouTube channel. These activities are aimed at 7-12 year olds and their families, but all are welcome.
Find out more about Art Sundays with Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Stick Drawing at Creative Garden Outdoor Art Exhibition with Art in the Park – In-person
Sunday 30 May, 3-4pm
This activity is taking place as part of the Art in the Park Creative Garden Exhibition weekend.
The exhibition, which will show work from the Arts Council England-funded project, ‘Creative Garden’, will take place in the Chumleigh Gardens and in nearby studios. There will be tours by the artists and workshops to take part in.
Find out more about Stick Drawing at Creative Garden Outdoor Art Exhibition with Art in the Park.
Southbank Centre Food Market at Southbank Centre – In-person
Weekly (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays) until 28 November 2021
In the mood for an authentic taste of Ethiopia, Thailand, Venezuela or beyond? Craving a burger or an indulgent sweet treat?
Southbank Centre Food Market is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from lunch onwards.
Find out more about Southbank Centre Food Market.
Week starting: 17 May 2021
Drawing with Homemade Inks with Dulwich Picture Gallery
Monday 17 May, 6-8pm
Join artist Nikki Garham in this online workshop as she guides you through the process of brewing your own instant natural inks and dyes to use with a range of drawing and painting techniques.
In the spirit of DIY culture, create a unique colour range of sepia toned inks from simple household items. Using your new colour palette and a range of drawing tools, Nikki will show you how to create beautiful botanical drawings inspired by the work in ‘Unearthed: Photography’s Roots’ at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Find out more about Drawing with Homemade Inks at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Little Women the Musical: In-Person and Livestream at The Albany
Tuesday 18 May – Friday 21 May, 2-7pm
Trinity Laban Musical Theatre final year students perform in two casts over four performances.
Little Women is about the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories to uninterested publishers and starts writing about herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.
Find out more about Little Women The Musical at The Albany.
Milquetoast Bedwyr Williams at Southwark Park Galleries
Wednesday 19 May – Sunday 11 July
Milquetoast is a Southwark Park Galleries touring exhibition in partnership with Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham and Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
This major new body of work by the Welsh artist interrogates the role of art institutions within contemporary society through sculpture, video, painting and drawing.
The exhibition is accompanied by a new publication of Williams’ notorious and habitual drawing practice, designed by Pagemasters published by Southwark Park Galleries.
Find out more about Milquetoast Bedwyr Williams at Southwark Park Galleries.
Mercedes Azpilicueta: Bondage of Passion at Gasworks
Wednesday 19 May – Sunday 4 July
Gasworks presents the first UK solo exhibition by Amsterdam-based artist Mercedes Azpilicueta. Her work brings together marginal historical figures, fictional characters and gendered mythologies from South America’s colonial past.
Fuelled by collaboration with dancers, writers, researchers and craftspeople, her installations often take the form of intricate set designs, theatrical props, soundtracks and scores for live performance that doesn’t yet exist, and where the viewer is invited to take centre stage.
Find out more about Mercedes Azpilicueta: Bondage of Passions at Gasworks.
Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2020 at South London Gallery
Wednesday 19 May – Sunday 6 June
The annual open submission exhibition returns to the South London Gallery for the third consecutive edition, offering a preview of some of the most exciting practices of the next generation.
The 36 emerging artists were selected from over fifteen hundred applications by a panel of guest selectors, which this year included internationally renowned artists Alexandre da Cunha, Anthea Hamilton and Linder.
Works include drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, sound and moving image.
Book a slot for Bloomberg New Contemporaries at South London Gallery.
Norway Cineclub: Going West with South Social Film Festival and The Embassy of Norway
Wednesday 19 May, 7pm
South Social Film Festival and The Embassy of Norway introduces Going West by Martin Dahlsbakken.
A beautiful dramedy based on a son taking his estranged transgender father on a road trip to the west coast of Norway. Going West is a warm and touching story about life, loss and love.
Join the guestlist for Norway Cineclub: Going West with South Social Film Festival and The Embassy of Norway.
Handmade: A Scientist's Search For Meaning Through Making with Fashion & Textile Museum
Thursday 20 May, 6-7.30pm
This is the story of materials through making and doing. Through a mixture of memoir, storytelling, stand-up comedy and scientific explanations, join award-winning materials scientist and writer Dr Anna Ploszaiski on an odyssey through the different materials of science and craft.
This online talk is the story of a young scientist trying to find true meaning in her science, and its – and her – place in the world.
Find out more about Handmade: A Scientist’s Search for Meaning Through Making with Fashion & Textile Museum.
Movement Life Drawing with Vero Leopoldino with Art in the Park
Friday 21 May, 7-8.30pm
Posing live will be professional dancer, Vero Leopoldino, who will be clothed.
Vero has trained in a variety of movement disciplines including Afro-Brazilian dance, West African dance, yoga, Capoeira, ballet, Latin American and ballroom.
Book your space for Movement Life Drawing with Vero Leopoldino with Art in the Park.
Tomorrow's Warriors presents Live at The Albany with Loucin
Sunday 23 May, 7.30pm
Loucin is a London-based vocalist and songwriter with her influences rooted in jazz, neo-soul and RnB.
As part of several projects, including lead vocalist for Tomorrow’s Warriors Female Frontline, backing vocalist for Poppy Adjuda and as part of The ‘Living’ Choir for Cherise’s EP, Loucin has performed at festivals and venues across the world.
Find out more about Tomorrow’s Warriors presents Live at The Albany with Loucin.
Week starting: 10 May 2021
Writing Works with the Dragon Café
Monday 10 May, 11am
At Writing Works, a new initiative by the Dragon Café, bring along your words, themes and feelings to use as an inspiration for the written word.
All supportive responses are encouraged and everybody is welcome.
Join Writing Works at the Dragon Café via Zoom.
Soapbox at Tate
Wednesday 12 May, 2-4pm
Soapbox is a peer-led session for people near or beyond the age of 60 to meet up and share views on life and art through topical discussions and debate.
In this Soapbox session by member Richard Gray, explore the work of artist Malangatana Ngwenya (b. Mozambique, 1936-2011). Malangatana’s painting ‘Untitled’ 1967 in Tate’s collection is one of the few works held by the artist in a major public art museum.
Find out more about Soapbox at Tate.
Jennifer Scott in Conversation with Alexander Moore at Dulwich Picture Gallery
Wednesday 12 May, 7pm
Director, Jennifer Scott, and Alexander Moore, Curator of ‘Unearthed: Photography’s Roots’ will discuss the exhibition that will reopen on 19 May.
With a focus on the joys of spring, they will discuss the exhibition’s fascinating themes, from seeds to daffodils and nature, learn more about how nature has captured the imagination of photographers.
Find out more about Jennifer Scott in Conversation with Alexander Moore at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Resilient Stitch: Wellbeing and Connection at Fashion & Textile Museum
Thursday 13 May, 6-7.30pm
Join textile artist and writer Claire Wellesley-Smith in this online in conversation as she discusses her new book Resilient Stitch: Wellbeing and Connection in Textile Art.
Claire Wellesley-Smith has long been fascinated by the concept of ‘resilience’, as part of this talk hear how she explores this theme in her new book, through the art itself and in the people creating it.
Through this conversation, Claire will discuss the concept of resilience and its connection to wellbeing and place it into the context of the coronavirus pandemic illustrated by one stitch community’s response to it.
Join the online event Resilient Stitch: Wellbeing and Connection in Textile Art with Fashion and Textile Musem.
Swedish Cineclub: 'And Then We Danced' by Levan Akin – South Social Film Festival and the Embassy of Sweden
Thursday 13 May, 7pm
The final iteration of the Swedish Cineclub introduces ‘And Then We Danced’ by Levan Akin.
The film, which has freewheeling fluency and fervency, is the story of two male dances in Tbilisi’s National Georgian Ensemble whose relationship must remain a secret due to the macho conservatism of the Georgian dance world.
Controversial in its homeland, ‘And Then We Danced’ has enchanted audiences worldwide since its world premiere at Cannes Film Festival.
Find out more about the final Swedish Cineclub with South Social Film Festival and the Embassy of Sweden.
A Dark Mind with Southbank Centre
Thursday 13 May, 7pm
A live-streamed screening of ‘A Dark Mind’, a documentary about mental health in the Black community.
Seeking to remove the taboo, challenge stigmas and initiate change, British Nigerian director and producer, Dami Adeyeye, interviews 6 individuals from within the Black community.
This event includes a screening of ‘A Dark Mind’ followed by a conversation between Adeyeye and Natalie Creary, Programme Director for Lambeth-based mental health charity Black Thrive.
Find out more about A Dark Mind at Southbank Centre.
Filmmaking 101: The Camera with Dan Robb at Bell House
Thursday 13 May, 7-9pm
Filmmaking 101’s third tutorial will cover the camera, from smartphone filmmaking to understanding focal lengths and exposure.
What does a director actually do? What makes a good script? Why is editing so important?
Over the course of this year, Bell House Films will answer these questions and many more with its series of Filmmaking 101 events, where industry professionals will host online tutorials.
Find out more about Filmmaking 101: The Camera with Bell House.
A Garden From Nothing with Walworth Garden
Saturday 15 May, 10am-3pm
Join George Hudson, the Walworth Garden Manager, as he takes you through tips to create a garden from very little.
You’ll learn how to make use of everyday items to grow your garden, how to propagate plants and how to make growing medium and plant feed from garden and kitchen waste.
Book your space on A Garden From Nothing with Walworth Garden.
Dance Writing: New Modes, Musings, Understandings with Siobhan Davis Studios
Saturday 15 May, 12-3pm
The team at Dance Art Journal (DAJ) invites you to join a workshop exploring different modes of writing from, on and about dance.
During DAJ’s Percolate residency, the team will be researching new ways to respond and write about dance. The residency will culminate in the creation of an online dance writing workshop which will encourage participants from all creative backgrounds to see and write about dance.
Find out more about Dance Writing: New Modes, Musings, Understandings with Siobhan Davis Studios.
Week starting: 3 May 2021
Money at Southwark Playhouse
Monday 26 April – Saturday 15 May, 7.30pm
Money is a unique, interactive production that puts you right in the heart of the ethical dilemma – will you accept the money?
The Nyoni Youth and Community Project is offered a large donation from the Anders Cooperation that promises to save the struggling charity. The source of the money is, however, an ethically questionable one and, as the details of the Anders Corporation’s dirty and damaging deeds come to light, the Nyoni Board – and the audience – are faced with an agonising decision: do we accept the money or do we reject it?
Book a ticket for Money at Southwark Playhouse.
Kennington Bioscope Online – Back in Focus: The Centenary of William Friese-Greene at The Cinema Museum
Wednesday 5 May, 7.30pm
The Kennington Bioscope, in conjunction with The Cinema Musem, presents another episode of KBTV, available on YouTube.
William Friese-Greene (1855-1921) was a pioneering British experimenter with moving image. This online event, marking the hundredth anniversary of his death, features contributions from three experts on early moving pictures, will talk about his life and achievements.
Find out more about Back in Focus: The Centenary of William Friese-Greene with The Cinema Museum.
Inclusive Dance with Pembroke House
Every Thursday, 4.30-5.30pm
Inclusive Dance is a contemporary dance and drama programme for young people with learning disabilities, aged 16-25.
Participants learn movement and social skills that can be transferred to the world of work and develop arts-related technical skills, such as performing and improvisation, that can be used in performing arts-related employment.
Find out more about Inclusive Dance with Pembroke House.
How to Save a Rock at The Albany
Thursday 6 May – Saturday 8 May, 11am-1pm
A bike-powered family comedy about how to have hope, while saving the last polar bear on earth.
It’s 2026 and a letter from the last ever polar bear has been found, and he’s somehow ended up in Scotland. Join the mission to save him! Through peat bogs and protests, the team needs your help.
Find out more about How to Save a Rock at The Albany.
Kaffe Fassett – Colour Inspiration at Fashion & Textile Museum
Thursday 6 May, 6pm
Join Kaffe Fassett for an illustrated online lecture presenting highlights from projects and collaborations, past and present, including his patchwork, fabric, needlepoint, mosaics, painting and knitting design.
This is a great opportunity to be immersed in Kaffe’s sense and use of colour and gain inspiration for your own creative journey.
Find out more about Kaffe Fassett – Colour Inspiration at Fashion & Textile Museum.
Bell House Gardens Sculpture Park
Friday 7 May, 11.30am – Sunday 16 May, 6pm
The Bell House gardens are open during the Dulwich Festival exhibiting works of 11 artists.
See how artists have made new works in response to the architecture and history of the house or how existing works find new context in situ. Forged metal, carved monoliths, playful Perspex, resonant cermics and woven alloys are some of the forms of the pieces in the sculpture park.
Find out more about Bell House Gardens Sculpture Park.
Designing Women: Post-War British Textiles – Fashion & Textile Museum
Friday 7 May, 1-2.30pm
Britain was at the forefront of international textile design in the 1950s and 1960s. The art of textile design radically changed after the Second World War, and three women artists were pivotal to this artistic revolution in the 1950s.
Join Head of Exhibitions, Dennis Nothdruft, as he explores how the drab days of war were transformed by the fresh, progressive designs of Lucienne Day, Jacqueline Groag and Marian Mahler.
Find out more about Designing Women: Post-War British Textiles with Fashion & Textile Museum.
Art in the Park Plant Swap and Micro-salad Session
Saturday 8 May, 2-4pm
Swap plants and make your own micro-salad container for your window sill with Jane Higginbottom and Andrea Sinclair.
This workshop will take place outside Art in the Park Studios in Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park.
Grab a ticket for Art in the Park Plant Swap and Micro-salad session.
Beatrice Nicholas with 1901 Arts Club
Saturday 8 May, 7.30-8.20pm
In this concert, Beatrice Nicholas performs popular classics by Mozart and Debussy as well as her own solo arrangements of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.3. She is also joined by cellist Joe Zeitlin to perform her own composition ‘Psalmus’.
Find out more about Beatrice Nicholas at 1901 Arts Club.
Tomorrow's Warriors presents: Live at The Albany with Romarna Campbell
Sunday 9 May, 7.30pm
Albany will be presenting the next generation of hotly tipped artists in partnership with Tomorrow’s Warriors, known for pushing the boundaries in jazz.
Romarna Campbell is a drummer, composer and producer from Birmingham, with a hip-hop and jazz influence. Having just released her 25th birthday project, she is now working on her debut EP.
Find out more about Tomorrow’s Warriors presents: Live at The Albany with Romarna Campbell.
To suggest an online activity organised by a venue local to LCC for inclusion in this weekly Canvas feature, please email: Gill Henderson, Cultural and Communities Partnerships Manager: g.m.henderson@lcc.arts.ac.uk
[Image credit Sundeep Verdi]
