Social Archive Two: Fluctuating Economies in Shoreditch

Exploring the contrasting economics of Rivington Place's locale through films made by Undocumentary (artists Shiraz Bayjoo and Jessica Harrington) and the public

Members of the public are invited to contribute to Social Archive Two at Rivington Place, Iniva's (Institute of International Visual Arts) three year film project documenting Shoreditch and its economy in a time of flux. Building on last year's Social Archive One, the general public will work with artists Undocumentary (Shiraz Bayjoo and Jessica Harrington) to produce a series of short films recording the stories of people living and working in the area as it is affected by nearby fluctuations in the City and Olympic regeneration projects.

Project participants adopt the role of socio-economic historians, recording the stories of the people working and living in Shoreditch and their reflections on their economic futures, creating an archive of experiences, predictions, and hopes for the future of the area. Shoreditch is uniquely placed near the affluent Square Mile, within close proximity to the Olympic park yet is located within Hackney, one of the UK's poorest boroughs.

Over 30 films were made in last year's Social Archive One. Films include interviews with people and businesses with a wide range of backgrounds from a coffee cart vendor whose family has been operating in Calvert Avenue for over 100 years, to curry houses, newsagents, art galleries, a leather shop that has been on Redchurch Street since the 1970s, and new creative enterprises and boutiques that are just starting up.

Workshops take place on 23 June, 30 June and 5 July with a screening party on 12 July to kick off the exhibition of the films (until 21 July). Book your place online and find out more: http://www.iniva.org/ / http://www.rivingtonplace.org/  

The Social Archive project is part of At the Intersection: Art and Economies, a three year initiative exploring critical and creative approaches to economics. Social Archive Three in 2013 will take a look at attitudes post-Olympics, and the impact the Games has had on businesses and residents. Visit http://www.iniva.org/ for more information.

This project takes place as part of the CREATE 12 festival (http://www.createlondon.org/) at Rivington Place. Now in its fifth year, the CREATE 12 festival celebrates Europe's largest cultural quarter, the 2012 Olympic Host Boroughs. It is also part of Shoreditch Fringe Festival.

Editor's notes

Art and Economies
At the Intersection: Art and Economies is a 3 year project in which Iniva presents a range of artistic and creative approaches to explore the complex topic of economies.

From 2011 - 2013 Iniva explores these issues through a variety of workshops, talks and artists' projects with the public, schools, older people, artists, academics and those working in the arts and higher education.

Projects to date include Social Archive One: An Economic Forecast (Shoreditch) and Terms & Conditions with Margareta Kern, both in 2011. Terms & Conditions comprised of a series of workshops and discussions exploring contemporary politics and the effects of neoliberal capitalism.

Undocumentary
Undocumentary is an artist collective interested in the uses and abuses of documentary as a tool for asserting reality. Its founding members are Shiraz Bayjoo and Jessica Harrington.

Shiraz Bayjoo is an artist and filmmaker based in Hackney, East London. In the past two years he has exhibited at Tate Britain, Whitechapel and Iniva.

Jessica Harrington is a writer, producer, and filmmaker. She has several years' experience of working with artists and the public.

Create 12
Now in its fifth year, the CREATE 12 festival celebrates Europe's largest cultural quarter, the 2012 Olympic Host Boroughs. www.createlondon.org

Exhibition listings Information
Exhibition: Social Archive Two: Fluctuating Economies in Shoreditch
Exhibition dates: 12 - 21 July 2012
Exhibition venue: Iniva's Learning Space, Rivington Place, London, EC2A 3BA
Admission to exhibition: free
Workshops: 23 & 30 June 1-5pm and 5 July 6-9pm
Workshops: £5 (£3 concessions). Suitable for 16 +
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 11am - 6pm, Late Thursdays: 11am - 9pm, Saturday: 12noon - 6pm
info@rivingtonplace.org, www.rivingtonplace.org  
Tubes: Old Street/Liverpool Street/Shoreditch High St
Rivington Place is fully accessible, for parking & wheelchair facilities call +44 (0)20 7749 1240

About Iniva
Iniva (Institute of International Visual Arts) engages with new ideas and emerging debates in the contemporary visual arts, reflecting in particular the diversity of contemporary society. We work with artists, curators, creative producers, writers and the public to explore the vitality of visual culture. (www.iniva.org) Iniva is supported by Arts Council England.

About Rivington Place
Opened in 2007, Rivington Place is home to Iniva and Autograph ABP. Designed by architect David Adjaye OBE, this award winning building is dedicated to the display, debate and reflection of global diversity issues in the contemporary visual arts. An ongoing programme of exhibitions and events is presented in the 2 project spaces and Education Space. It is also home to the Stuart Hall Library. www.rivingtonplace.org 

Further information
For high resolution images please contact:
Sheena Balkwill, Communications Manager
sbalkwill@iniva.org or tel 020 7749 1246