Crystal Palace residents see The Bigger Picture (From Streatham Guardian)

Crystal Palace residents see The Bigger Picture

9:20am Saturday 23rd May 2009

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The recession has become the inspiration for a community arts movement that will see boarded up shops converted into temporary art galleries, fashion houses and one-night only eateries - and has launched the possibility of a permanent community arts centre coming to Crystal Palace.

Artists and fashionistas living around the Crystal Palace triangle have combined to set up The Bigger Picture - a movement to put unsightly boarded up shops and buildings to good use during the economic downturn.

The Streatham Guardian first reported last month on artists’ hopes to open an art gallery in a disused shop.

But in the past few weeks the plans have exploded, with the launch of one-night only restaurants, fashion shows and the confirmation the first art gallery will open at 93 Church Lane on June 6.

Talks are also to occur with Croydon Council on the possibility of converting one disused building into a permanent space for exhibitions and creative workshops.

Artist Roy Paterson, 56, who has set up the movement with some 25 interested artists and residents said: “The idea seems to have really struck a chord with the community.

“We started off with plans for a gallery but the idea has snowballed into what has become a full community arts and creative movement.”

Website thebiggerpicturegallery.co.uk has become the fulcrum of the group’s work , where landlords can register interest in having their property used by the artists, or people interested in getting involved can suggest an idea.

Recent developments included budding chefs setting up a“pop-up” eatery and art gallery dubbed Recessionista for one night only on May 16.

Owner of vintage shop Vien, Vivienne Bartholomew, is also going to host a catwalk fashion parade of her own work in an empty shop 87 Church Road at 6.30pm on May 29.

A regular writers club is also starting in the gallery space.

Mr Paterson, said: “I think its going to put Crystal Palace into people’s minds as a creative area.

"It always has been a creative community but this is giving it the chance to grow.”

The Bigger Picture Gallery's first exhibition is at 93 Church Road on Saturday, June 6, from 7 to 10pm.

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