'We are making history today…'

'If the idea was to imply that the effect of immigration and cross-fertilisation allows London's art to become somehow bigger, richer, more expansive as it becomes more diverse, then Adjaye has built the finest billboard you could imagine, and has created a structure that will become the visual identity of an undervalued and ambitious organisation.'
Edwin Heathcote, Financial Times, 19 Sept 2007

Iniva and Autograph ABP's new building, Rivington Place, heralds a new era for difference in visual arts and the opening has been met with a very enthusiastic response.

The building was launched this October with a series of special preview events and a spectacular party attended by over 800 people. 'We are making history today...', Stuart Hall, Rivington Place's Project Champion told the crowd, as his opening speech was met with a standing ovation.

Rivington Place will be dedicated to the continuous display of work by culturally diverse artists and the building marks three important firsts. It is the UK's first publicly funded exhibition space dedicated to cultural diversity. It is the first completed visual arts centre by David Adjaye anywhere in the world, and it is the first new build public gallery in London since the Hayward Gallery built 40 years ago.

Together with the team Sebastian Lopez, Iniva's new director, welcomed guests into the building - including artists, MPs, media and other leading cultural figures. Visitors previewed the opening exhibition London is the Place for Me - whilst enjoying canapés courtesy of Roast, champagne courtesy of Veuve Clicquot and Pommery and beer courtesy of Cobra.

People were encouraged to explore the five floor building, with many participating in tours with the architect David Adjaye. Many guests also dressed up and posed in a special photographic studio in the Rivington Place Education Space and created a portrait postcard with artist Leticia Valverdes to take home as a memento of the occasion. Others enjoyed performances from poet Mr Gee in the Stuart Hall library and viewed ‘Mining the Archive', a projection piece by Gary Stewart displayed in the atrium.

As the night progressed the landmark building was lit up in an array of colours. Leading DJs including Pete Lawrence from Big Chill played as guests danced into the early hours.

Since the public opening, to Iniva's delight, Rivington Place has welcomed thousands of new visitors through its doors including special groups and tours.