The ever successful Deptford X festival is back in London's Wild West for it's 11th year with a packed arts programme comprising 28 shows, 14 outdoor installations and 8 open studio events covering everything from exhibitions and installations to fringe events.
Billed as South London's premier visual arts festival, Deptford X 'exists to promote the best contemporary visual art and celebrate that art with the widest possible audience. It is an arts event born of Deptford's creative community and based on a belief in the limitless potential of the area.'
We've had a look through the comprehensive programme and picked out some highlights for you.
'Before and After' at The Albany Cafe will acquaint you with the area by showing 'Babylon', a film made in Deptford in the 1980s and an accompanying display of entertainment venues old and new. Catch Beck's Futures art prize shortlisted David Burrows at the Old Police Station for an exhibit consisting of drawings and paint-splattered, debris-littered installations. Also at the Old Police Station are multi-media works exploring the perception of identity from 10 youngsters working with the Lewisham Young Offenders Team.
The Agency present new photographic work from Sadie Murdoch who takes her cue from early 20th Century culture and transforms historical references with her own performative language. We're big fans of urban knitting which courtesy of Sally Spinks you will be able to find dotted around Deptford. Even Deptford Train Station has received an artistic make-over from a class of year 5 students who have created a stained glass mural visible from the train and High Street below.
So far, so highbrow. How about blowing off some steam with the Deptford Marbles' Tea and Dance event which in it's second year replaces the 'usual alcohol-fuelled disputes with gentle tea sipping and contemporary participatory choreography'. If you're more inclined toward alcohol fuelled fun head to The Bunker on Friday 2nd for 'thrillingly filthy electo-poppers' Toy Toy and a selection of intergalactic DJs.
Deptford X festival, Deptford runs from 25th September to 4th October at various locations. For timings and further details visit the Deptford X website.
