Open Plan was a long-term public art and learning programme led by South London Gallery from 2017 to 2024. Through commissions and ongoing projects, SLG’s learning and programme teams collaborated with residents from Elmington, Pelican, and Sceaux Gardens housing estates, located near the gallery.
The programme had four elements: Art Block (a free after-school club on Sceaux Gardens Estate for local children and young people), Artist Commissions, Community Celebrations, and employment opportunities for local young people.
In October 2024, the programme ended with a public symposium bringing together SLG staff, artists, and local residents involved in Open Plan. We also published a final evaluation report by research partners, Shared Intelligence.
We’ve highlighted 5 takeaways from the report, offering insight into Open Plan and the programme’s overall impact.
1. GROWING CHILDREN’S CONFIDENCE
Art Block after-school sessions helped children build confidence through making friends, engaging with peers and trusted adults, and taking leadership roles in projects.
During the Exercises in Freedom commission by Something & Son, activities centered on “radical trust,” where children had decision-making power over the project budget. Children decided how to spend the project budget, resulting in the installation of a pop-up swimming pool at Art Block.
As one parent said, “My son is more quiet, less confident and needs encouragement to make new friends. And since coming here he has got better at making friends, and more comfortable making friends. He doesn’t just play with his sister when he is at Art Block.”
2. COMMUNITY BELONGING TOGETHER
Open Plan fostered community spirit through artist-led projects and events, connecting residents across the three estates. These initiatives created opportunities for neighbours who might not have met otherwise, to meet and build relationships.
In 2023, Seyi Adelekun’s The Diaspora Garden: Watering Connections brought a temporary community garden to Pelican Estate. Residents participated in free workshops on herbalism, botanical crafts, foraging, and storytelling.
3. SUPPORTING PARENT’S WELLBEING
Parents whose children attended Art Block reported reduced stress and improved wellbeing. Art Block provided free, reliable after-school care, offering children a space to have fun and gave parents more time for themselves.
In inner London, where childcare costs are among the highest in the UK, this had a big impact, particularly for families on a low-income. The report found that Art Block reaches many of these families, as a high number of children who attend receive Free School Meals.
4. WORK AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE
Open Plan provided work and training opportunities through a year-long paid traineeship and roles in Art Block’s Art & Play team. These positions offered valuable experience in socially engaged arts practice and arts administration.
Two of four trainees advanced to permanent roles at SLG, while over 30 young people were employed in delivering Art Block sessions as Art & Play assistants. Staff received training in safeguarding and working with children who have additional needs.
One Art & Play team member said: “I’ve never been able to work in an art space before—it’s so hard to get into. Fortunately, I could do that here, and I’m so happy for it.”
5. BOOSTING CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY
Children and parents described Art Block as a space in which they can express themselves in ways not possible at home or a school.
The report highlighted that staff at Art Block play a key role in helping children be more creative. The Art Block staff, many of whom have studied art, inspired children to experiment and try something new.
Working directly with artists is another way children’s creativity was supported at Art Block. In 2024, artist duo Kneed worked with children at Art Block to explore the living and ever-changing ecologies of Sceaux Gardens estate. Children took part in creative workshops on mask making, mapping audio storytelling, foraging and costume making. The project culminated in an exhibition at Art Block and a re-design of Art Blocks ‘cosy space.’
Read the full report from Open Plan, 2017 – 2024.
We are pleased to share that Art Block is continuing beyond Open Plan, thanks to generous new funding from The Bukhman Foundation, Southwark Council and United St Saviours. Find out more about the current Art Block programme.
We need your support to make our communities and learning projects happen. Our programme focuses on well-being, skills development, commissioning opportunities and long-standing, much valued local partnerships. Donate today.
Our Resident’s Programme, Open Plan, was supported by Freelands Foundation, with additional funds from other donors.