Community Arts
Art, Apocalypse & Ice-Cream
Reading English at University and contemplating Utopian literature Steve Molineux of Utrophia had a ‘vision’ of a collective haven not only for the promotion of artistic endeavours in general but also with two further objectives – contributing to the community (they send marching bands out to enliven the local streets!) and an examplar of many things environmental and sustainable – in its own way a buffer against the big meltdown we all fear.
Now residing in an old ice cream factory off Tanners Hill in Deptford, Utrophia feature an energetic and ongoing programme of exhibitions, events, music workshops and so forth – ‘a big melting pot’ as Steve Molineux puts it, some of it in conjunction with Goldsmiths. Their website sums up their overall philosophy succinctly :-
‘We look to pave the way for brighter futures, providing a platform for a wide range of varying projects from installation to food growing.
We see the space as a fortress, a base for concocting new and diverse ways of understanding life and preparing for a challenging future’.
It is a ‘vessel of exploration’ and, offering spaces for local artists, is now firmly established as one of the area’s most vital ‘creative incubators’.
Any outfit that juxtaposes real (not model!) tanks side-by-side with a sustainable vegetable garden on site has to be worthy of considerable applause!
Steve adds that anyone who wants to se what ‘post-apocalyptic’ means can come and view their kitchen.