TATE MODERN
Funding
From the start Tate wanted to support the creation of a resource for the local
community - this took the form of a specially dedicated community garden.
The development of the footprint of the garden was largely financed with
commitment and support from the Projects and Estates Department, Tate. Additional
support through grants and donations was given from Better Bankside, Metropolitan
Gardens Association, Jublilee Walkway Trust, Goldman Sachs and Southwark
Cathedral.
Magic Me Consultation & Garden Design
Magic Me is an organisation based in East London. They specialise in running creative projects which bring together young people and older people for mutual benefit, learning and enjoyment. They were commissioned to carry out a consultation with members of the local community in 2001 to capture interest in the garden and ideas for the design of the space. Following that process garden designer Lucy Williams was commissioned to develop a design for the garden the principles of which were used to develop the infrastructure of the garden.
Participatory Art Project
During the 'making' of the garden, visual artist Michele Fuirer worked with the steering group and the local community on a participatory art project.
Michele devised activities on planting days and events in the garden from 2005. These activities included marking maps with places of significance, making links between plants in the garden and artworks in the Tate collection, paper boat making and engaging people in discussion about the meaning of the garden in their lives.
Community Garden Almanac (PDF 2.13mb)
Opening of the Space
Following a trial opening the garden was formally opened by Sir Nicholas Serota on 20 June 2007 with speeches from Helen Firminger (Director, Bankside Open Spaces Trust) and steering group member Edith Slee.
Over 150 guests were welcomed throughout the day with family activities such as communal bunting, bug hunts, vegetable puppet making followed by an evening event with music and entertainment.
Speech by Edith Slee from Opening Event
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