Four-day celebration of art pays homage to underground creativity scene

A four-day celebration of art which pays homage to underground creativity will open this June.

Ugly Duck, in Tanner Street, is gearing up to host A Collective Archive which will open on June 12.

Highlighting the creative vision that has shaped the much-loved Bermondsey destination over the past thirteen years, the programme will feature a range of performances across the week and a party to celebrate. 

The programme will open with an exhibition and performances from London-based live artist Biogal and Southwark Pride artists, curated by Bold Mellon Collective.

Elsewhere a haunting three hour performance will see long-time Ugly Duck resident Martin O’Brien take to the stage, collage workshops, panel talks and an evening dance party with DJs Josh Quinton and members of Tribe Incorporated.

The closing event on June 15 features performances from Chloé Filani, Puer Deorum and Joy Kincaid.

At the heart of the space will be a large-scale installation designed by artists and set designers Rough Fabrics and Fiona Albrow. 

Taking over Ugly Duck’s warehouse interior, the design will include memorabilia from the venue’s past film shoots and events to reward those who look a little closer.

Ugly Duck champions underrepresented voices and ideas, providing a platform for creative exploration beyond commercial and institutional constraints. 

Organiser Deen Atger said: “We are immensely proud of the work we’ve accomplished and deeply grateful to the artists, collaborators, funders, and audiences who have made Ugly Duck what it is. 

“This event is the culmination of a community-driven archival project we designed to honour and conserve our legacy of showcasing daring and avant-garde art crucial to London’s LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented communities.

“Thanks to the support of Arts Council England this will include the publishing of a book, a mixed media archive and concludes with this week long exhibition, performances and talks event to celebrate the impact of UD together”

For tickets visit: https://www.outsavvy.com/event/27147/a-collective-archive-ugly-duck#anchor

Pictured top: Martin O’Brien will perform Fading out of Dead Air as part of the four-day programme (Picture: Marco Berardi)