The Newspaper House
In March 2008, an innovative cultural arts project based in Hackney was developed utilising thousands of unwanted newspapers. Hackney arts organisation Creative City approached Hackney's Cultural development team with the idea of collecting discarded papers and turning them into a public art installation - the Newspaper House. The Project's aim was to help encourage people to think about their actions and how these have an impact on the environment.
Local Hackney sculptor and installation artist Sumer Erek created the installation. The artwork was installed on Gillett Square in Dalston, Hackney. The public contributed in building the installation by taking old discarded newspapers found on their travels and from their homes to the Square, which added to the structure. Over 85,000 broadsheets were utilised to complete the structure. Participants from the local community were invited to submit their own news and add them to the house. The project attracted a wide range of people and press coverage internationally.
Workshops and drop-in sessions took place in collaboration with Hackney-based cultural organisations and schools. Partner organisations included Creative City Ltd, Hackney Council, the Learning Trust, and Gillett Squared.
The project was funded by Hackney Council's Cultural development team, The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and UnLtd. Arts Council England funded the research and development phase of the project.
Hackney Council's Cultural development team played a key role in getting the Newspaper House off the ground. This innovative project was the first temporary art installation in the public realm in Gillett Square. It's strong environmental message engaged Hackney's communities in the 'reduce-reuse-recycle' debate.
The Journey Continues
The Newspaper House continued its journey from Hackney to Liverpool, to help celebrate Liverpool's award as the Cultural Capital of Europe 2008, during the 5th Liverpool Biennial of contemporary arts.
For more information visit the Newspaper House Blogspot
Page updated: 21 Jun 2011
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