THE OLD WAITING ROOM:
MAKING CONNECTIONS
In the heart of Peckham, on top of Peckham Rye station, is the Old Waiting Room. It is a beautiful, atmospheric space which has been empty for close to 50 years, sitting between the busy platforms. We’ve been working with our local community and the space’s landlords, the Arch Company, to open up the space for events, creativity and sharing. So far we’ve programmed 2 seasons of activities: site-specific performances, art installations, community workshops and feasts, an immersive film festival are just a few of the activities we’ve created or supported. We work hard to make activities which are for our community and made by our community, and to achieve this we work hard to raise funds to keep activities affordable and often free. We’ve been supported by Arts Council England and the Thriving High Streets fund. Our vision for this space is of a vibrant, public centre where the diverse stories and journeys in our community can come together and find space - hence 'Making Connections’ is the title of the series.
Making Connections is led by Creative Director Rebecca McCutcheon and produced by Lost Text/Found Space, the series aimed to be a platform to share and connect, to enable future collaborations in Peckham and beyond.
This year we built on our first pilot season in 2023 to present a series of installations and productions running from 1st June until 14th July 2024, which include film screenings, large scale artworks and site specific theatre, plus talks and community workshops.
Designed and directed by majority female, marginalised or under-represented artists, Making Connections 2024 focused on community, care and social connection through creative experiences. Work presented explores how healing and solidarity have an impact on mental-wellbeing and our sense of belonging. Making Connections was funded by Arts Council England and Southwark Council’s Thriving High Streets Fund.
Season programme for 2024
Anna Burn’s installation questions human intuitions role in the current age of algorithmic monotony. Presenting 13 female doll figures spilling their guts and attempting to connect them, to tap into an interconnected, cosmic and divine feminine spectacle.
An exhibition of large-scale canvas by Pavel Otdelnov, who, after protesting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, moved to London. Hometown casts a jaded eye on his birthplace.
Over Exposed is a four-day, immersive, full dome film festival celebrating connection and togetherness. The audio visual experiences illuminate our collective space, inviting you to explore your mental state without judgement.
A great opportunity to meet others in the Peckham community and share memories in our beautiful space. Bring objects, photos, and recordings that represent your connections to Peckham.
Refreshments and Snacks provided
Image courtesy of Ellie Kurtz
