A four-day shindig celebrating art and all things creative is set to kick off this June at Ugly Duck in Tanner Street. The event, known as A Collective Archive, is scheduled to open its doors on June 12. This extravaganza will showcase the imaginative flair that has shaped the famed Bermondsey spot over the past thirteen years, promising a lineup of performances throughout the week along with a grand party to cap it all off.
The festivities will commence with an exhibition and live acts featuring London-based artist Biogal and talents from Southwark Pride, curated by the Bold Mellon Collective. The program will also include a spine-chilling three-hour performance by Ugly Duck regular Martin O’Brien, collage workshops, panel discussions, and an evening dance bash with DJs Josh Quinton and members of Tribe Incorporated. Wrapping up the event on June 15 will be performances by Chloé Filani, Puer Deorum, and Joy Kincaid, bringing the celebration to a crescendo.
At the core of the venue will be a large-scale installation crafted by Rough Fabrics and Fiona Albrow, showcasing memorabilia from past film shoots and events, rewarding those who take a closer look. Ugly Duck stands out for championing marginalized voices and offbeat ideas, offering a stage for creative exploration free from commercial and institutional constraints. Organizer Deen Atger expressed immense pride in the collective effort that has shaped Ugly Duck, extending gratitude to the artists, partners, backers, and audiences who have contributed to its success. This event marks the culmination of a community-driven archival project aimed at preserving the legacy of showcasing bold and avant-garde art pivotal to London’s LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented communities, with support from Arts Council England culminating in the publication of a book, a mixed media archive, and a week-long event to commemorate Ugly Duck’s impact.
For tickets, head over to the official event page at https://www.outsavvy.com/event/27147/a-collective-archive-ugly-duck#anchor. So, get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity, innovation, and underground artistry at this one-of-a-kind celebration at Ugly Duck!
