Uncertain Times – 25th Anniversary Publication

25 years of Deptford X /  Uncertain times: A case history of a London art organisation by Nathalie Boobis

This publication was produced on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Deptford X and printed as a limited edition of 500. It takes a deep dive into the organisations’ administrative records to understand the tensions, challenges and possibilities of a running a visual art organisation in London for 25 years. Published alongside a written commentary are scans of minutes, budgets and reports. Together with archival imagery of artists’ projects and reproductions of festival programmes, the book tells the story of artists in Deptford; regeneration and property development; shifts in funders; and the hope and care of the people who have kept Deptford X going for 25 years.

Also featured in the book is a limited edition artwork by Holly Graham:

On the verge of something very big
2023
Folded A3 poster Risograph printed on Archival Kraft paper and pamphlet digitally printed on newsprint
Edition of 500

Graham’s collaged text work is collated from archived Deptford X pamphlets, press articles and visitor feedback. These compositions form a non-linear history of Deptford and reveal the aspirations and anxieties projected onto the future of the area. Heterogeneous voices are scrambled, regrouped and collaged together, with Graham considering the tendency of arts and culture to be co-opted and used to fuel gentrification, examining artists’ complicity in this process.

Available to buy for £15 with free P&P
Purchase here