Deptford X Needs Your Support

Why we need your support

2020  was the first time since 1998 that Deptford X didn't deliver an in-person festival in Deptford. Our tiny part-time time team of Nathalie and Sarah have worked really hard this year to raise the funds to stay afloat, and to keep delivering remote programming to support artists, our local communities, and to continue our commitment to widening access to participation and self determination in the arts for People of Colour. We are proud of our achievements this year but we know that digital programming cannot replace the importance of in-person experiences for sharing ideas, creating connections, and feeling part of something. 

This is why in 2021 we want to deliver a physical festival in Deptford and to work again with all the fantastic artists in the area to bring some joy, healing and togetherness to our neighbourhoods and communities. However, the fundraising climate is tough and we need your support to do this. 

Our Goals

Our plan for Deptford X 2021 is to run a festival in June and to work with artists, local residents and business to develop an outdoor art trail that is resistant to all potential Covid lockdowns, tier systems, and restrictions. We want to turn Deptford into a public art experience on a scale that we've never done before!

In early next year, many Deptfordians will be hearing from us via leaflets through their doors inviting them to offer windows, driveways, front yards, etc. for artists to install work; or to participate themselves. 

We plan to pair artists with residents and business owners to bring artwork into every corner of Deptford. We also hope to see many residents and business owners who would never have thought to participate before as artists, display their own create offerings too.

Alongside this, we still want to run our Supported programme strand as an open call for early career artists of colour to receive financial and mentoring support to develop new work for the festival.

We will also partner with Deptford-based AAJA community radio station to host artists' work on the radio for further reach.

We are planning all of this towards the end of June and hope to be able to launch the festival with an art picnic in a park (socially distanced if need be); inviting everyone to bring food, picnic blankets, and with art work installed for a day on the railings, trees, posts and play areas. Some of you will notice the nod to Joshua Compston's 1995  'The Hanging Art Picnic' in Hoxton Square that Bob and Roberta Smith talks about in the 10th Anniversary Deptford X book, 'Hijack Reality: Deptford X : a 'how To' Guide to Organize a Really Top Notch Art Festival'!

Rewards

As well as rewarding generosity with recognition and benefit schemes, our rewards also feature historic Deptford X memorabilia of which we possess only the last box or two of each. This is the last chance you will have to get your hands on some of our books, tea towels and print editions.

Hew Locke Tea Towel

Mark Titchner Tea Towel

Bob and Roberta Smith book cover

Bob and Roberta Smith book inside spread

Peter Anderson book cover

Peter Anderson book inside spread

Janette Parris signed print edition, 'Customs'

Janette Parris signed print edition, 'Charity Shop'

Janette Parris signed print edition, 'Classical Music'

Janette Parris signed print edition, 'Gold Hotpants'

Janette Parris signed print edition, 'John Dory'

Bob and Roberta Smith signed print edition, 'Art Makes People Powerful'