Battersea Power Station Development Company has announced a £6.8m first-year investment in a cultural programme, which includes a venue created with Battersea Arts Centre.
The aim of the programme is to deliver a new cultural district that will “build a sense of community and ownership” and widen access to culture for audiences in south west London.
In partnership with BAC, the investment includes the Village Hall, a new 5,000 sq. ft. multi-use arts venue at Circus West Village, Phase 1 of the development.
David Twohig, CDO and Head of Design & Placemaking, BPSDC, and BAC CEO and artistic director David Jubb
BAC CEO and artistic director David Jubb said certain “key aspects” drew the organisation to the project- its aim of bringing communities together and the “long term” nature of the programme.
As well as this, the cultural venue was not a planning requirement, it was something the company chose to add.
Harriet Finney, deputy CEO of Creative Industries Federation, and designer and artist Morag Myerscough
Located under the Grosvenor Bridge railway arches, The Village Hall can seat 150 in the main hall, with a mix of theatrical and dance performances, workshops and comedy.
Smaller rooms will be used for community-focused activities such as books swaps, film nights, creative plays, comedy classes, fitness classes, artistic workshops for children and children’s parties.
Studio
As the focus of this project it “community cohesion” and attracting people “whatever their income” to the arts, prices for shows and classes will be low-cost to ensure accessibility.
Also included in the programme is a geo-linked educational Heritage Trail app with an augmented reality tour and games, bringing to life the history of the Power Station.
In partnership with CASS Sculpture Foundation, Battersea Power Station Commission 2017 is the first annual sculpture commission, the winner of which will be announced in the coming weeks.
Their artwork will be installed in September and on display for three months.
Cultural advisor at Battersea Power Station and artistic director of Southbank Centre Jude Kelly applauded the “real commitment to culture and heritage” being made at the development.
She said: “It sets a precedent for other developers to ensure that culture is integrated into new neighbourhoods and also pays appropriate respect to local communities.”
On behalf of the shareholders, chief development officer at Battersea Power Station David Twohig said: “Our approach is centred on active curation of a portfolio of internal and external public spaces so there is always activities that engage and surprise people.”
Community cohesion and making the arts available to all
At the Village Hall on June 20, a panel discussing the impact of private sector partnerships on the creative industries in London focused on the importance of bringing communities together in a space people from all walks of life can share.
Panel
Panellists included Jude Kelly, designer and artist Morag Myerscough and David Jubb, Harriet Finney, deputy CEO of Creative Industries Federation, and David Twohig, CDO and Head of Design & Placemaking, BPSDC.
Jude Kelly spoke about the terrible recent events in London which have resulted in “segregation” in the capital and emphasised the need for cohesion.
However, she acknowledged “to make sure the space feels welcome whatever your income will be a difficult task.”
To encourage public engagement with the Village Hall, the team behind the project met with over 150 local families, artist and producers to feed into the design, operation and programming of the space.
David Jubb promised affordable access: “That’s why it’s called the Village hall.
“There will be activities open to everyone. Low-cost fitness classes that will be low cost and some may even be free.”
There was optimism about the future of the arts in the capital.
Deputy CEO of Creative Industries Federation Harriet Finney said: “Local authorities now understand the importance of investing in culture.
“They understand not putting money into the arts would be detrimental.”
The Village Hall is open now for events, but opens fully later this year.
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