Welcome to 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning

TO GYPSYLAND

25th January – 16th March 2013

Gallery Open Monday – Friday 11-5pm

Saturday 16th March 2013

A Studio Practice and Archive Project by Delaine Le Bas co-curated by Barby Asante

To Gypsyland is an ongoing studio practice and archive project by Delaine Le Bas. Looking at 'City Gypsies' and ideas of 'Gypsyland'. Gypsies and Travellers are viewed as part of the pastoral landscape and countryside romanticism but where is the 'real history' of the Gypsies and Travellers, especially within the cities.

With books, photographs and other archive material from the artists collection there will be a chance for members of the public to bring their own stories and other materials to this ongoing project to develop a new and diverse picture of what 'Gypsyland' has historically been seen as, what it currently is and what it can possibly develop into. Ideas of nomadism, creativity out of necessity, a language that has it's roots from the far east, the diversity of the community will all be discussed and presented.

This history created in the majority from academics outside the community is open for a new perspective of 'Gypsyland'.

Delaine Le Bas will be resident in the gallery from midday on:

• Friday 8th February
• Friday 15th February
• Friday 22nd February
• Friday 1st March
• Friday 8th March
• Friday 15th March
• Saturday 16th March

Our programme of exhibitions and events investigates the culturally hybrid nature of our constantly evolving society, and embraces the diversity of individuals which make-up cosmopolitan cities such as London. Notions of globalisation, culture, identity and the post-colonial are central to our curatorial approach to exhibiting and promoting international and British artists. We seek artistic excellence, and are committed to delivering critical exhibitions and events, which foster the debate around topical political and social issues.

Our engaging, inspiring and accessible programme encourages and uses the interaction between diverse cultures, generations and social backgrounds as a catalyst for the creative process.

Throughout our 25-year history, we have actively encouraged the development of a rich, burgeoning visual arts scene, which:

• truly reflects the contemporary artistic, social and political concerns of emerging artists and diverse audiences;
• investigates the nature of our constantly evolving society, and embraces all the individuals and communities which make-up cosmopolitan cities such as London.

Our Creative Learning team has been at the forefront of artistic education since the early 1990’s. Through our education programme, we engage with issues surrounding educational underachievement, social inclusion and the challenges faced by young people in urban areas. As part of this we also have a young peoples design company called Hustlebucks, a social enterprise that is run from our space at Unit 45, 5th Avenue Brixton Village, SW9 8PS.

For our young peoples social enterprise project based at our site in Brixton Village http://www.facebook.com/pages/HustleBucks/83173069766

And for Creative Learning http://www.facebook.com/pages/198-Creative-Learning/266175406732423?fref=ts