A programme of art, culture and new infrastructure to reimagine the future of the UK’s biggest council housing estate
Living Together is a major art commission by Verity-Jane Keefe, the culmination of many years of work in and about the estate. The project will run throughout the year, looking at its past, present and into the future.
This large-scale commission produced a collection of artworks for the estate through site-specific engagement work. Taking as its starting point the edges of formal archives, the project explored the complexities of life as it is today, through key issues such as industrialisation, de-industrialisation, immigration, east-end drift, worker’s rights, regeneration and housing policy.
Living Together was delivered with a large supporting cast of local residents, partners and community groups. Verity-Jane has been working for the last two years to test, shape and develop social structures and activities as a way to inform the 2021 programme of activity. Working closely with Valence House Archives on the legacy of The Becontree Collection and archival training opportunities with local residents. The project HQ was located at The White House which was made public at points over the year, when safe to do so. The ongoing public programme includes an online viewing platform, LT TV, and an exhibition of work across several locations.
The White House
884 Green Lane
Dagenham
RM8 1BX
Verity-Jane Keefe is a visual artist working predominantly in the public realm to explore the complex relationship between people and place. She works with moving image, text, installation and uses archival and research methodologies. She is interested in the role of the artist within urban regeneration and how experiential practice can touch upon and raise ambitions of existing communities. Verity-Jane has been working in Barking and Dagenham for over 10 years on self-initiated commissions, including The Mobile Museum, and in partnership with the borough’s Heritage, Planning Policy and Regeneration departments.
In partnership with Create London, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.