The legacy of Shape Bankside Art Weekend
JTRE London are committed to supporting the arts and culture as we believe they play a vital role in creating successful communities and places.
Drawing on the creative spirit of London's Bankside and the layers of architecture that typify this historic and vibrant area, Shape Bankside Art Weekend was a creative response to the question of “how to open a building?”.
Locals, commuters and visitors alike were invited to come together for a weekend of music, performance, talks, creative workshops and street food, all taking place within a wildly imaginative immersive environment created by artist and designer Jo Peel.
The unique installation included the artist’s trademark murals depicting layered cityscapes, abstract forms and pops of colour, which adorned the walls of a vacant retail space, contrasted with model houses and a glasshouse with a giant tree growing out from it. Art imitated life with a 3D re-creation of a traditional neighbourhood cafe rendered in Peel’s distinctive ‘2D’ drawing style, replete with formica tables, ketchup bottles and a fridge which doubles as a secret entrance into a projection room, where Peel’s animated films were screened.
Shape Art Weekend Bankside continued JTRE London’s long-term commitment to sustainable regeneration and culture, and its desire to nurture creativity. Known for fostering art and music partnerships in central Europe, continued partnerships are underway at Triptych Bankside, with the inclusive, Open University-accredited art school Art Academy London set to take up residence in the 14,000 sq. ft. cultural space in 2024.
The Shape Bankside Art Weekend not only garnered enthusiastic participation from over 1,000 members of the public during its three-day duration but also left behind a remarkable legacy. This event serves as a compelling demonstration of how collaborative between the arts and property developers can play a pivotal role in uplifting the local community and shaping the sense of place. This legacy of collaboration and community engagement will undoubtedly resonate as a positive influence for years to come.
