Art Matters

Kensington and Chelsea Art Week: a post-lockdown update

By EVE HERBERT

Join a guided walk curated by a local expert

The gradual reopening of our city post lockdown is a prospect much welcomed, and as we adapt to ‘the new normal’ Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) is inviting you to see what’s on offer right on your doorstep.

Join self-guided walks curated by local food and history experts or become a fly-on-the-wall by peeking into the studios of the borough’s leading contemporary artists through immersive 360-degree short films called ‘Open Doors 360’.

Pop on your clogs (or hop on your bike) to join guided adventures and be enlightened on the area's distinct cultural heritage, from Portobello Road’s Caribbean history to Chelsea’s literary tours. Each tour is curated and guided by one of our local icons, including Piers Thompson of Portobello Radio, artist Alison Jackson and Geoffrey Matthews of Chelsea Arts Club.

Vestalia Chilton, Director of KCAW said: “These walks are a beautiful snapshot of Kensington & Chelsea when there is a real urge to get outdoors safely, post lockdown. Each self-guided walk shares a personal insight into the history of the area.”

‘Open Doors 360’ was initiated during lockdown to support the creative community resulting in an exciting run of 360-degree interviews with artists. Invited into their creative spaces, we can gain a rare glimpse into the reality of their lives and practices – and through the 360 technology we can be fully immersed, as if in the room.

Artists include actors Terence Stamp and Nickolas Grace; ballet dancer Mark Elie, founder of Portobello Dance School; sculptors Danny Lane and Joe Rush; BAFTA-winning photographer Alison Jackson; poet and spoken word artist Isis Amlak; painters Lucille Dweck and Piers Butler and artist Kate Daudy. Produced by Maya Sanbar of Chasing the Light Studio in partnership with Damian Rayne of Muse Films and The Galleries Association, supported by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council’s Arts Grants Scheme, these films give audiences unique “behind the scenes” access as never before.

Maya Sanbar said : “This project provides a meaningful opportunity to anyone with internet access anywhere in the world, to glimpse into the world of these unique artists, in a very personal way.”

KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA ART WEEK Visit kcaw.co.uk to view the full programme.