Deptford X 2021
This year’s 2021 festival will take the form of an outdoor Art Trail around Deptford. Festival visitors will be able to collect a map and use it to discover outdoor work situated in and around Deptford.
This year it is our intention to bring art and creativity out into the open to create joy and healing in our communities in the wake of the pandemic.
There will be a strong emphasis on artworks in the public realm so that we can create a walkable art trail, bringing art & the festive spirit fully and joyfully into the open for all to enjoy.
Our art trail will cover areas within SE8 and SE14 – anyone wishing to take part will need to ensure their work is located within these postcode areas.
Aims for the festival:
- Rooted in the fabric of our neighbourhoods and the people who live and work within them.
- A showcase for local creativity and innovation, using any manner of outdoor space
Deptford X 2021 has four open call elements:
Festival Fringe
Community Art Trail
Supported Commissions
Deptford X + AAJA Radio
All of our open calls were free to apply to and were open to artists, local residents, children, young adults and local businesses. We also welcomed artists from neighbouring boroughs provided the work was installed in the SE8/SE14 area.
This year we invited residents in SE8 or SE14 area to participate in the festival – either by offering their front garden/window space to an artist or by participating themselves.
In addition to the festival projects selected via open call, the Art Trail will also consist of further commissions by artists selected by the Deptford X director, and projects initiated by our peer network for People of Colour; Support Network.
Team
Director: Nathalie Boobis
Festival Manager: Sarah Umar
Festival Assistant: Communications and Volunteers: Greta Sharp
Festival Assistant: Programme Delivery: Emily Hale
We would like to thank the following partners for their support in 2021:
Fringe
These are projects that are independent in scope but brought together by Deptford X. We encourage projects that are situated outdoors, or outdoor-facing, along the Art Trail.
Curated
This year’s festival features three new artists chosen by the festival director, Nathalie Boobis, these artists are: Chila Kumari Singh Burman, Sahra Hersi and Harold Offeh.
Supported
An open call for projects by early career Black and People of Colour artists from Lewisham that will be selected by a jury and supported by the festival financially and curatorially.
Deptford X + AAJA Radio
New for 2021, Deptford X is partnering with AAJA, a community focused radio station, record label and performance space based in the railway arches in Deptford Market Yard. Selected artists will be given a Midday slot on AAJA Radio.
Jamila Prowse - Contextual Essay
After the world closes, how do we come together?
Mimi Chu - Contextual Essay
Ask the Artist
This year we have partnered with In The Room to host digital Q&A's with some of the artists in the Curated Programme.