20 November 2006 – 28 February 2007
'Capital A is a programme of art workshops in museums and galleries for people affected by homelessness or exclusion.
Art revives the ability we had as children to innovate and react in a new way to new and old experiences. The workshops at Tate Modern have given us an opportunity to exercise some of these powers, and to gain strength and confidence from it.'
Jennifer Burnham - Coordinator, Capital A
This project is part of an ongoing collaboration between Tate and three agencies that work with people who are homeless or others who are socially excluded: Capital A, SMart and Crisis Skylight. The display presents the art and voices of participants in workshops at Tate Modern. We hope you enjoy it.
Lucy Wilson, Artist Educator, Tate Modern
A typical session works something like this: First we gather informally over coffee and biscuits, chattering about this and that – what we did last night, who said what to whom, and then Lucy comes in with art books and cunning project ideas and we all settle down and get serious. We usually start by discussing pictures in books and movements in art and follow on by touring selected works in the museum. Although few of us have studied art, the cut and thrust of critical opinion is sharp and subtle. Lucy brings ideas and materials that invariably have us all raring to go, and the concentration become white hot and laser-like. We go away tired but with that glorious feeling that only forgetting oneself and everything else and straining every nerve to accomplish something to the very best of one's ability can give.
Claudia Cotton, Capital A Volunteer
'SMart Network is a charity dedicated to empowering homeless and socially excluded people through the arts. Engaging with the arts is one of the most positive ways of bringing back self-esteem to people who have lost their way and creating opportunities for them to take charge of their lives again. Over the past four years, SMart has developed an important partnership with Tate Modern. Through workshops, individuals are empowered to have their say about the art on display and to creatively respond to their experience.'
Jaime Bautista – Founder and Director, SMart Network
Kate Maitland
Terry Milan
Rocha
Annie
'I started making my sculpture in July and I finished it in September 2006, about the time of the promotion of the police officer behind the shooting in London of an innocent man who was mistaken for a terrorist. My work is a puppet which can be manipulated. It could be interpreted as a character in a story about life and death: that is to say, in a tragedy.'
Rocha
John Hunter
Gillian Street
Piangjai Dejdamrong
Brian O'Niel
'I enjoy the visits to the temporary exhibitions. I like the opportunity to see the variety of artists on show. There isn’t much abstract work in the other London galleries, there are more historical works.'
Gillian Street
Gill Jones
Dave Stark
Saeed Hersi
Jenny Tatton
Agnes Tumilson
Helen Brody
Michael Grey
Albert Dias
'Tate Modern's got unusual stuff, I love the open space; the chimney reminds me of the incinerator at the prison where I was shut up. But I'm not shut up any more, Tate gives me the freedom to run around and my mind to roam freely and be inspired by all the different art works and artists. To have a piece of my art work displayed here in November is a dream come true. Thank god for the Tate gallery in London.'
Eve
Eve McDougall
'The Tate Modern space is different from other museums. The learning areas are accessible, not hard to find, add-on spaces. I enjoy doing the practical art activities alongside the discussions. Other galleries put too much emphasis on talking and exposition.'
Steve Browne
Chris Tomala
Fernando Torres
Derek Cummings
Anonymous
Arthur Geddes
'I, Derek Cummings state that since going to Tate Modern and taking part
in the workshops, my life has seen many changes. Tate M has helped me to
express feelings that have been buried inside my heart about my life past
and present.
Tate M is for me all about feelings, some of which I have expressed in
my art work. I hope my work will help young people to understand the mistakes
I have made in the past and how art has helped me change my life.
Use your gifts don't waste your gifts. Pay attention children, this message
is for you. Think before you act.'
Derek Cummings
Anonymous
Steven Whitenstall
Nick Bonincontro
Hilda Manning
Anonymous
Illumination
The powerhouse – was a beacon of light.
Kept us bright – when it was night.
Its innards – are gone,
In a storm of activity – ‘twas reborn.
For my city o’ London – it lives, on and on.
Now it’s a sentinel – to artistic change.
Sometimes, it does send me – into a rage.
On other occasions – I’m in raptured bliss.
The powerhouse – has gone.
Tate Modern – is here.
Here’s a landmark – we’d like to share.
Come inside – stop a while?
Take time out – breathe in the style?
Our city it lives – from times long past.
The future’s Tate Modern – long may it last.
Antonio D’Silva
The powerhouse – was a beacon of light.
Kept us bright – when it was night.
Its innards – are gone,
In a storm of activity – ‘twas reborn.
For my city o’ London – it lives, on and on.
Now it’s a sentinel – to artistic change.
Sometimes, it does send me – into a rage.
On other occasions – I’m in raptured bliss.
The powerhouse – has gone.
Tate Modern – is here.
Here’s a landmark – we’d like to share.
Come inside – stop a while?
Take time out – breathe in the style?
Our city it lives – from times long past.
The future’s Tate Modern – long may it last.
Antonio D’Silva
Allesandra 
Finbar Taylor
Adrain Martyn
Gerry Gilbert
Justine Roland Cal