The Albany launches programme designed to assist artists and creatives

An arts venue in Lewisham has launched a programme designed to help creatives develop new work, collaborate and also inform decision-making within the organisation.

The 12 artists selected will work with The Albany to build relationships with audiences, participants and staff.

Artists appointed include poet Adam Kammerling, Afro-grime artist Afrikan Boy, theatre-maker Angela Clerkin and theatre-maker Camille Dawson.

Eleanor Perry and Daniel Hay-Gordon who make up a choreography duo Thick & Tight have also been selected.

Multimedia artist, culture producer, and film-maker Zahed Sultan will join the programme as part of collective Commun, alongside singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Eska, aerialist Farrell Cox, and drag king LoUis CYfer, whose real name is LJ Parkinson.

Writer, composer and actor Natasha Sutton Williams, choreographer Quang Kien Van, and photographer, film-maker and spoken word artist Tyrone Lewis are also set to join the project.

LoUis CYfer said: “I can’t put into words how thrilled I am to be working with The Albany this year as an associate artist.

“It’s been a difficult couple of years filled with uncertainty and anxiety for us all.

“I am honoured to have the Albany’s support to try and change that, to make decisions that will hopefully bring about more financial security and creative expression to the theatre and its community.”

They will attend board and team meetings and take an active role in the formation of strategy.

The programme follows the venue’s Artists of Change project in 2021, where three artists recruited through an open call out created work in collaboration with local people and communities, as well as help with decision-making.

Chief executive and artistic director of the Albany, Gavin Barlow, said: “We’re excited to be taking our programme of support for artists to the next level and continuing to democratise the way we’re run.

“As well as directly supporting them with funding, space and mentoring, we felt it was important to make the process a two-way street.

“We will listen and learn from their experiences to influence positive change in the arts sector post-pandemic, and continue to bring great artistic experiences to the communities we serve.”

Main Picture: Group photo credit: Roswitha Chesher (L-R Daniel Hay-Gordon and Eleanor Perry of Thick Tight Dance, LoUis CYfer, Camille Dawson, Quang Kien Van, Tyrone Lewis, Natasha Sutton Williams, Farrell Cox)