About

Co-oPepys Arts Project is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It utilises the arts as the means of engaging local residents in processes which promote active participation in shaping of neighbourhood life with care and positivity.

Origin and aims

Co-oPepys aims to increase community access to the arts by developing a programme of activities; arts, crafts, photography, music, sewing, reading, writing and performance.

It supports and encourages members to recognise their own potential by providing opportunities and shared resources to develop skills, interests and self confidence. Together we hope address the isolation and alienation experienced by so many, in a safe space.

Membership and Access – times and conditions.

Local people are invited to take up membership and attend Artclub sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings, 7-9pm.

Co-oPepys was established by residents of Pepys Estate and continues to seek the guidance and wisdom of those living locally to help sustain interest and promote continuity. Collaborate in the day to day planning and promotion of the Art Club to utilise the shared resources.

Please register each visit so all can see how often the artspace is used. Keyholders co-ordinate access between 08:00 till 21:00 for members as required. Make time for those you meet in and around Co-oPepys, it’s a community arts project!

Keep noise to a minimum, particularly when arriving and leaving as residents live directly above. No smoking permitted anywhere inside or on the balcony.

Please leave the studios tidy, clear away your working materials and store them safely. (Inflammables must be kept in metal cabinet) Clean the kitchen and empty the rubbish bags provided for disposal into estate bins across the yard (or just take it away with you). Keep the corridors free from all materials as they are fire safety routes.

Check powered equipment is turned off at the switch and turn off the lights. Close all doors, windows and check balcony doors are secure before leaving. Lock the front door!

Orientated & supported – use of rooms.

Access to Co-oPepys is up set of stairs from the ground floor entrance at the foot of Daubeny Tower. Studio 1 hosts a growing arts and culture book library also functions as a meetings or presentation space and for workshop delivery with access to growing area on the balcony. Art materials, tools and equipment are stored in studio 2. There are several sewing tools and machines with a big selection of fabrics in the sewing room. There is good broadband, printing and PC workstations access in the computer lab. The darkroom is currently being reset to use environmentally friendly chemicals. There is a small kitchen and single toilet.

Creative workshops – developed and performed.

Please use this form to offer proposals for one-off or a recurrant workshops.

Improve access to the arts and crafts for resident communities by encouraging their creative potential and and supporting members to identify opportunities that support development and enrich lives of others. 

We are particularly interested in proposals that involve the local community in arts and educational activities, be they project focussed or with open outcomes.

Public events – past and proposed.

Please use this form to propose a public event that celebrates creativity, improves knowledge and can inspire those attending.

Celebrations, exhibitions, discussions, performances, parades etc.

Project development – proposals invited

Project development – proposals invited

Materials / resources – collected and shared

Project development – proposals invited

Please use this form to propose projects for development.

As well as a commitment to the public and local community, we aim to support individuals in their practices. Please request one to one support and guidance from our volunteers.

Artist residency – member applicants welcome

Please use this form when applying for residency.

With the ethos of community organising and shared resources we are also looking for artist/creative practitioners to undertake self-led residencies at CoPepys that make use of the space and facilities whilst supporting access for others. 

Materials / resources – collected and shared

Co-oPepys Arts Project currently offers two studio spaces, a photographic darkroom, sewing room, computer lab and quiet office.

Maintenance and Cleaning – safety and hygiene

All the Co-oPepys rooms need to be cleaned and reset after each session, be that regular Artclub or workshops. Please be sure to clear away your working materials and keep the corridors free of all obstructions.

Cooperation and Programming – outreach and funding

We welcome support with all aspects of Co-oPepys general administration and co-ordination of activities. This is a great opportunity for anyone seeking experience with; arts organisations, development strategies and community outreach to gain transporatble skills .

Management and Security – organised and accountable.

Co-oPepys is situated on the first floor area of Daubeny Tower and was once the caretakers lodge where fire safety monitoring for the whole structure is still based. We work with Lewisham Council housing office to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained not least to protect the residents living above us.

Management committee members meet regularly to agree on activity program and to administer the legal responsibilities of the limited company and charity.

Luciana is the Chairperson, James is the Secretary and Katie the Treasurer.

Contact them on coopepys@gmail.com

Company number 02696974 Charity number 1027133