Brixton Arts Co-op Opens
urban75 remembers a short-lived arts space in the heart of Brixton
Report/photos by Editor, October 17th 2005
After lying empty for four years when developers happily failed to get permission for a trendy bar for scootstick-toters, the old Brixton Cycles Co-op building on Coldharbour Lane was occupied on the 30th September, 2005.
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts04.jpg)
Declaring their actions as 'Direct Community Action under Section 6 of the Housing Act', the police weren't too impressed with twelve (twelve?!) turning up on the following Tuesday, apparently in an attempt to intimidate the new tenants.
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts08.jpg)
The squatters were having none of it, but after the police left, the owners of the property pushed their way in and refused to leave.
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts05.jpg)
A stand off followed, with a poster on urban75 reporting that, "after threats of intimidation from the owners and a refusal by the new occupiers to back down a deal has now been done", adding that the plan is to open as an art space, holding their first open day on the following Saturday afternoon.
'Brixton Arts Co-op' was born!
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts01.jpg)
The next day, a post on urban75 revealed that an 'amicable arrangement' has been struck with the owners, and the short term future of the arts space secured.
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts06.jpg)
The squatters have stated that they intend to make as much of the venue as possible, with performing, musical, visual and interactive arts on the ground floor, a work space on the middle floor and residence on the top.
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts02.jpg)
The idea is for the space to be open each weekend with different exhibits, although it was in full swing when we visited on a Monday afternoon!
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts03.jpg)
We're delighted to see a community arts project springing up in the centre of Brixton again, and it's great to see the old bike shop being put to good use at last.
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts07.jpg)
Those of you who remember the legendary Cooltan Arts squat will definitely recognise a few familiar faces around the place, and we look forward to reporting on further developments in the space.
![Brixton Arts Co-op, squatted arts centre on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9](images/brixton-arts09.jpg)
Update: Feb 2006. Brixton Arts has now been evicted.
« back to features homepage Cooltan Arts »
|
|