Exploring another site for my art show.

Eastbury Manor have not got back to me regarding my art show (I've chased 4 times, the decision maker has been reminded 4 times, and now I'm fed up of waiting.  As a potential paying customer, I've been treated badly, and I am seriously underwhelmed by their customer service).  

I'm getting increasingly anxious about finding a venue. So I wrote to Mary Schoeser, who forwarded my email to some of her contacts in East London.  BowArts got back to me yesterday, suggesting a venue, and this morning I went to view it.

The venue is RAW Labs, Norton Quays, Royal Albert Dock, E16 2QP.  5 minute walk from Gallions Reach, DLR station.  Good public transport but virtually no parking (pre-booked disability parking only).

Outside the building

Stairs to mezzanine level (no disability access - guests have  to use the stairs)

Ground floor has coffee bar, (wine licence), and
vegan hand made chocolate maker Well Bean Co

Top of stairs

Gallery view from top of stairs

And again.   Two plug socket close to top of stairs. Can't see any others in other corners

View from south east corner of mezzanine floor

View from north west corner of mezzanine floor

Looking from north west corner to south east corner

View from south west corner.

Gallery is approximately 13m wide, by approximately 7 metres deep.  Well light with electric strip lights.  Airy feel.  Natural light gets in from big windows on 2 sides, but does not hit the walls.  Two hanging surfaces.  Wall surfaces are painted hardboard on long wall, and painted chipboard on short wall.  Artwork on walls is attached by hammered tacks, so presumably not precious about marking the walls a little.  There are spare trestle tables that can be brought upstairs for my concertina sketchbooks.

Trestle tables

RAW Labs is a community hub for Royal Albert Docks.  Artist studios on ground floors around the docks, plus this art venue, and posh flats above.  Stonebaked pizza van parks outside during opening hours.  Current artist in residence is working on Campaign for Empathy, looking at the distance between those in power and the people - how to transform this vacant negative space in the a positive space of empathy, emotion and connection?  

Laura, from the vegan chocolate company, said Bow Arts take short notice bookings for this event.

RAW Labs is open Fri/Sat midday-10pm, and Sunday 10-4.

If I were to run with this, I'd be planning Wednesday to set up, Thursday for assessment, Friday private view (not sure what time - afternoon or evening?  Easier for me 2-4, or 3-5 and people can get public transport home easily, but maybe 6-8 after work?  Not that many of my contacts work in London).  Simple refreshments for PV - tea/coffee/wine, high quality vegan chocolate (separate company works downstairs). Plus pizza van outside!

I liked the feel of this place.  Geographically it fits with my theme.  And the venue does not feel too precious, more like approachable and accessible to ordinary people.

Right, I think I need to crack on and get a proposal sent to the site organiser to establish availability and costs for September.

Thank you Mary Schoeser, I think you've got me out of a hole!