The original inspiration for Tottenham Pavilion came from long-standing warehouse tenant Carolina Khouri. The Lebanese-Polish visual artist and arts manager wanted to explore the idea of creating a Serpentine Gallery style Pavilion in the heart of the warehouse district.

In 2019, unable to achieve her full ambitions, a pilot version of the project was run with funding from the Mayor of London’s ‘Culture Seeds’ and the local Landlord Provewell Ltd / Spaces for Creatives.

The 7 x week programme of workshops run by paid warehouse artists was held in a marquee on the same site. The project, which involved c.60 local residents from across the Warehouse District, Woodberry Down and Seven Sisters Road, was really well received and included a public exhibition.

“I loved the communal aspect. The artist leading was generous and open. I loved working with my hands.” 

“It was wonderful to create an installation together as a group. We had the chance to collaborate as well and experiment on our own which was lovely.” 

“It's a different way to spend the day. It opens your brain. It's very nice to know other people coming from the warehouse district. I learnt techniques of sculpture I never knew honestly. Great job, you have been very kind and fun.” 

“Brilliant to have an arts workshop in the local community - loved meeting people who live close by, learning new techniques in collaging and sharing lunch.” 

“Nothing to dislike. Design and execution of the mural was very much a collective process - everybody played a part. The facilitator had just the right nature - help without control. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.” 

“Tutors are very nice. Good number of people attending, so not too quiet / crowded. Interactive session.” 

An unexpected outcome that emerged through the evaluation of the pilot, was the value placed on the workshop structure – an open agenda approach, that let participants co-create different installations. This theme was the starting point for shaping the broader ambitions.

• Delivered seven events creating paid employment for nine artists from Harringay Warehouse District
• Everyone who attended felt much more connected to their community as a result of the event (with 56% giving it the highest rating)
• Pretty equal split across all three communities roughly 40% Harringay Warehouse District, 30% Woodberry Down and 30% Seven Sisters Road
• The event attracted a higher proportion of women, and represented diversity in age and ethnicity (18 – 72, 39% BAME)
• 58% of attendees normally struggle to attend culture events regularly; from work/study commitments to not having anyone to go with – this project clearly served helped address a local need.

“Tottenham Pavilion embraced a hyperlocal focus to engage this community at their doorstep, specifically aiming its free workshops and activities to residents of its immediate vicinity encompassing Woodbury Down, Seven Sisters Road, and the Harringay Warehouse artists who led the project, all within walking distance of each other.

In doing so, it managed to not only provide local artists a platform to develop and showcase their practices conveniently within their own turf, but equally offer opportunities for local residents, their neighbours, access to creative activities that may otherwise be unavailable or even unknown to some."
Patrick Joseph, furtherfield.org 

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