The London-based art and activism organisation, Platform, is looking for a new home after 20 years in a basement office near Tower Bridge, SE1.
An announcement from the organisation, which recently celebrated success in its longstanding campaign to end BP’s sponsorship of Tate, said: “Platform is facing a problem familiar to many in London. We’re being priced out. The rent on our humble basement office is more than doubling.”
Formed in 1983, Platform – which includes the artists Hayley Newman and Sokari Douglas Camp on its advisory board – employs ten staff who are currently based at its office on Horselydown Lane. The space is also used for campaign meetings and hosts the Shake! network of young artist-activists.
“We’re quite fond of our office,” continues the announcement. “For us it represents 20 years of arts, education, and activism, pushing political boundaries and developing ideas for a better future. But it’s time to say goodbye. And we need your help to find our future home.”
The organisation is asking for assistance to find a suitable new office in London that can accommodate staff and meetings, and also display Platform’s art and archive: “We have some amazing original art and 30 years of history to share.”
Anyone who thinks they can help the organisation find a new home to rent or, in the longer term buy, is urged to get in contact.
In keeping with its socially aware, activist spirit, Platform adds that it would like to move “somewhere we can be of good use to the local community. Arts organisations can be used as tool of gentrification – we want to be wary of this”.
Image: Platform office at Horselydown Lane, London, SE1. Photo: Platform
