Memories for the Future is a hyperlocal community-led programme that researches and responds to the intangible heritage of the people who shaped Peckham’s iconic Rye Lane.

Rye Lane Reconnected, a community-led initiative, collaborated with social artists, residents, and community groups to commission artworks for Peckham’s Rye Lane.

London-based art practitioner Meera Shakti Osborne hosted workshops at Inspire Walworth, exploring the significance of participants’ neighbourhoods through writing, image-making, and discussion. Participants rediscovered creativity, comfort, and fun while reflecting on what made where they live special.

Artist Koby Martin collaborated with Southwark Youth Justice Service, empowering young voices through painting and music.

Artist Tyreis Holder collaborated with South London Refugee Association in workshops exploring therapeutic textile use. Youth discovered creative freedom, patterns, and design, shaping a public artwork. Participants found newfound self-expression, empowering their creative minds.

Originally active between 1989 and 1995, SERP engaged over 1,500 children and teachers across 15 schools in Southwark. Its impact was felt nationally and internationally, serving as a model for educational innovation, including influencing the landmark DCMS Creative Partnerships programme.

We are pleased to receive £380,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme to enable us to establish a new home on Peckham Square.

The project took its title from a conversation that Bennett had with an older friend. Speaking out of turn, the artist was met with the reply “Yuh Figet Yuhself!”. The statement was made in jest but served as a reminder that she had literally and figuratively forgotten herself.

Working with the Peckham Platform Learning team and in collaboration with Barbara Majek, participants met via Zoom to develop new skills, create collaborative work and receive support for individual development. 

This project celebrates the distinct dialogues of a multi-generational group of participants and mediums of ‘insistent archiving’ that preserve the wealth and variance of these narratives.

This three year initiative aimed to establish a greater knowledge and understanding of community-led cultural activity in Peckham.