It was established 19 years ago by a group of local residents who wanted
to highlight the diversity of the local arts scene by establishing an
annual arts festival and open studios. The result was the Camberwell Arts
Festival, which has taken place every June since 1994 and has become a
regular feature in the local calendar.
As one of the first specialist local arts festivals in the UK, the
Camberwell Arts Festival works in partnership with local residents,
artists and arts organisations to programme a 9 day festival of
exhibitions, events, open studios, walks, talks and workshops.
Camberwell Arts also undertakes a variety of educational workshops
throughout the year to engage new audiences in the arts and is involved in
developing participatory and socially engaged practices on local estates
and schools.
In this way the organisation aims to encourage local residents to engage
with their local environment, using contemporary art practice as a means
to promote and improve social and cultural resources.