Deptford. Yes, that bit opposite the Isle of Dogs that isn't smart Greenwich. Borders Blackheath, yeah? Bet you didn't know it's a contemporary visual arts hotspot, did you? If you did, then you've clearly been to Deptford X at some point in its 10 year history. Describing itself as "an arts event born of Deptford’s creative community and based on a belief in the limitless potential of the area" the programme looks both baffling and intriguing.
To mark reaching its first decade in existence a modest book is being published called, "Hijack Reality: Deptford X - A How To Guide To Organize A Really Top Notch Art Festival". Its publication will be celebrated this Saturday 4th October with Victor Mount’s Legendary Ding Dong Twist Club Extravaganza which will be gently mocking the elitism of art fairs with its inhospitable Hospitality Complex. Works of art will be offered for sale alongside used car tyres and ironing boards in the gallery area, and there will be a Bureau De Change and cheque cashing service (closed due to staff shortages). Get there by 2pm for the book launch. 10.30am for the "spoken word disco". Confused? Excellent.
If SE8 is unfamiliar territory for you, a wonderfully narrated audio walk is available to download from the homepage and guide you through the curated events under the theme of "Ghost Trade and the Spectre of Change". This sounds like an alluringly alternative way to discover Deptford and we've been warned to look out for golden balls and baby eels. Check out the special graffiti on the train station as you arrive and be prepared for a whole host of venues, projects and installations participating in the festival, which runs in and around the area until October 19th.
Here's how to find it. Good luck!
