SLG Local brings together a number of projects with a focus on creating relationships with audiences within walking distance of the SLG.
The project brought newly commissioned and existing contemporary art works, films and installations to a broad range of social settings in the vicinity of the South London Gallery.
As part of SLG Local, The Shop of Possibilities opened in May 2012. The Shop was the SLG’s social space for play for local children and families in a former retail outlet on the neighbouring Sceaux Gardens housing estate. Designed in collaboration with Febrik, a collaborative platform for participatory art and design research, The Shop of Possibilities hosted free afterschool workshops and activities.
Building on the SLG Local programme, in 2017 the SLG launched Open Plan which aims to further challenge notions of what culture is and who can be involved in it. Each year on Pelican estate, two artists will produce original and transformative public artworks inviting residents to experience and participate in the production of the work.
In summer 2017 the Gallery launched Art Block, a new, free creative space on Sceaux Gardens estate for local children and families to make things, be creative, and play. Art Block replaces The Shop of Possibilities and will host two site specific artist commissions a year which will visually transform the space.
SLG Local received support from Bloomberg, the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Southwark Council and donations from individuals.