Handmade In Britain Exhibition, London May2012

As costs increase, quality slips and our awareness of the ecological and social impacts of mindless consumerism comes to the fore, more and more of us are turning our hands, hearts and time towards making our own handmade crafts, homeware, gifts, accessories and even clothing. Handmade Britain will celebrate these creative and resourceful endeavours with an exhibition of work by a selection of some of our countries' designers and makers in May. Items on display will be available to buy, so if you've not yet awakened your own creativity, head down to the London show to support the work of those who have and purchase their London themed pieces. Or, if your taste buds simply require some inspiration for your own craft, Gallery@Oxo will no doubt provide a feast of creative delight.

LONDON: A Celebration
gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
Thurs 10th - Sun 13th May 2012 | 11am – 6pm
Free Admission | Map

From: Handmade in Britain
"Appreciating British Crafts - Handmade in Britain is pleased to announce a unique selling exhibition showcasing some of the best British Designer-makers celebrating London in their own unique way...
London, being a big melting pot of culture, is known for its diversity and sense of free expression which is a huge source of inspiration for many artists of different cultural backgrounds.
The show celebrates the British creativity so abundant in London. Each designer will commemorate the capital city inspired by its heritage, diversity, colour and creativity through a range of disciplines such as ceramics, jewellery, glass, textiles and many more.
You will have the opportunity to purchase and commission pieces made specifically to celebrate London in 2012 by both up & coming and established artists of Britain. The show will allow you to get personal with British makers whilst supporting the skill and craftsmanship of Britain."

More info here | Handmade In Britain

Two Degrees: Are You Sitting Comfortably? Revolution

17th June 2011
8pm | £8
Toynbee Studios
28 Commercial Street London E1 6AB
T 020 7650 2350
E admin@artsadmin.co.uk

From: ArtsAdmin
"We’re channeling the revolutionary spirit of the literary salons of 18th Century France, so sit back, eat (free) cake, and get comfortable whilst White Rabbit entertain you with an evening of original short stories written by local rabble-rousers, rebels and hell-raisers, read by a team of anarchic dandies. In the sumptuous candle-lit surrounds of the Arts Bar & Café, part Mad Hatter’s party, part 1930s tearoom, there’ll also be literary competitions and prizes and even the odd firework.

Call for stories: We’re looking for stories of around 1000 words on the theme of revolution to be read at the event. If you have a story please send to areyousittingcomfortably@live.com (deadline 3 June)...." More here

This is just one of many exciting and inspiring events organised by Two Degrees for the 2011 Festival running from 12th to 18th June. Have a look at the full programme here.

"Two Degrees 2011 reflects world events since the first festival in 2009: failed climate treaty negotiations, financial disasters and government cuts. Protest and activism have hit the headlines, from revolutionary movements in the Middle East to London’s biggest protests for nearly ten years. And away from the mainstream media eye there is a growth of alternative and inspiring solutions to our impending climate crisis.

Sitting between art and activism, performance and protest, this year’s festival is a chance to be part of artist led actions; tell your own revolutionary story, help eradicate an invasive species, go on a mass bingo bike ride, ask an expert about the future or exchange your own personal and political views for a free haircut.

Join in, take part and make your voice heard."

Get A Life - Become An Art Lover

From: Art Lovers Unite!, Vivienne Westwood, 3Dec10, Get A Life
"...If you become an art lover you get strength. You get a sense of personal progress because you start to understand the world and your place in it. You get out what you put in. That’s my motto.
I’ve given a good summation of my thoughts in this video recorded at the Battersea Arts Centre in London..."

Read more from Vivienne Westwood here and her Active Resistance To Propaganda Manifesto here

London Futures: Wish You Were Here?

The Museum Of London is currently hosting an exhibition of photographs from the future called Postcards From The Future - Wish You Were Here?. No time machine was employed to retrieve the images, simply the imagination and design skills of Robert Graves and Didier Madoc-Jones.

The artists created eight photos for the original Postcards From The Future series way back in 2008 (these can be viewed on the website here). This current exhibition displays 14 images of London digitally transformed to suggest possible effects of climate change on the city. The exhibition runs until 6 March 2011.

From: London Futures - Wish You Were Here?
"The display brings home the full impact of global warming, food scarcity, rising sea levels and how all Londoners will need to innovate and adapt to survive. Examples of the striking images that will be on show include Parliament Square put to work as a rice paddy, ice skating down the Thames, Buckingham Palace surrounded by a sea of shanty housing and the Gherkin occupied by thousands of eco-refugees highlight the shocking realities we could face...

“We want to create a space in which people can consider how climate change may impact on their lives. We are committed to making beautiful and arresting images which tell their own story. We have deliberately chosen ‘postcard’ shots of London, places that all of us are familiar with. By focusing our creative energy on these well- known panoramas, the images have taken on a life of their own...”"

More here