Designed as a platform for emerging talent, the Art Licks Weekend will see over 70 non-commercial venues across Bermondsey, Bethnal Green, Deptford, Elephant and Castle, Hackney, Haggerston and Peckham present the work of 250 artists.
“We feel the dominant picture of the capital’s creative sector does not represent the wealth of projects happening amongst younger artists and curators in spaces outside of Central London,” explains Holly Willats, Director of Art Licks. “Since the launch of Art Licks in 2010 we have provided a voice for lesser-known and under-represented activities that form the grassroots of visual culture in London. The festival is a continuation of this work.”
Galleries and projects participating include 38b, Banner Repeater, FoodFace, Inland Studios, Legion TV, PlazaPlaza, Public Assembly, Rowing Projects, Studio 180, xero and the Interview Room. The three-day event is free and includes a host of activities, including Il Bardo di Temperley, an online project run in partnership with bubblebyte.org. Performances include Stop, Look, Listen! featuring artists Sam Belinfante, JocJonJosch, Ilona Sager, Frances Scott and Viktor Timofeev. As part of the event, Artquest is sponsoring the Workweek Prize to support critical, risk-taking projects.
“The Art Licks Weekend represents galleries and spaces that have set themselves up on their own initiative, often with little or no funding,” says Willats. “They are delivering programmes that are exciting, relevant and innovative. The hope is that the event will also provide opportunities to engage with local groups, families and schools to improve access to art.”
Samantha Penn, Chair of peer support network POST, who are exhibiting at Studio 180 in Lambeth, explains why the event is important to the local area. “Living nearby I can see first hand the cascading effect of so much activity on spaces and networks in the area. Art Licks Weekend is a perfect opportunity to forge new ideas and connections. There are so many interesting organisations across London who work incredibly hard without necessarily having a chance to meet. It’s great to see similar organisations represented in an accessible way.”
Willats, meanwhile, hopes that the weekend will become an important fixture in London’s art calendar. “In the long-term, I’d like Artlicks to be recognised as a professional development opportunity for young artists, curators and galleries. When I started Art Links three years ago, I certainly didn’t think it would result in a festival, but at this point it does feel like a natural progression. Ultimately, we want to continue supporting young and emerging talent.”
The Art Licks Weekend launches tonight, 6-9pm, and then runs from Friday 4 – Sunday 5 October, 11am-6pm daily. artlicksweekend.com
