Co-oPepys community arts project was set up in 1981 in response an outreach arm of the Albany Empire at Pepys Estate. It was managed by The Combination Ltd. the managing company of the Albany and its arts development projects.
The aim of the organisation has always been to improve community access to the arts, to nurture the cultural life of the estates and to “bring people together to work and play in a spirit of celebration”.
It established a ongoing program of arts classes, festivals events, exhibitions and theatre productions, the Pepys Show which were performed around the estate and at the Albany Empire.
Pepys Diary, was a residents magazine which went free to every household in the area . It was edited, designed, printed and distributed by local residents. Over the years Co-oPepys has worked consistently with residents of all ages, religions and gender identities.
Nowadays Co-oPepys continues to provide weekly Art Club as it has for more than 15 years. A time and space for local resident artists to meet up, have a cup of tea, talk about art and share things to make art.
Members are invited to pursue their own projects in a variety of media and are guided and supported by volunteers who share a working experience of the arts.
In addition to the Monday and Wednesday sessions Co-oPepys also support the wider arts community in Evelyn Ward.
At Pepys 50th, hosted a puppet project in collaboration with Magic Book Theatre which performed at Pepys 50th Anniversary Festival and delivered a range of performances, films, historical context of the area, fun activities and arts and crafts for the festival in collaboration with 2000 CAC, Mad Cap, Uccadelix, Fire Men, John Evelyn Garden and PCF – Pepys Community Forum.