A Collective Archive offers four days at Ugly Duck in Bermondsey, 12 – 15 June, to reflect on the future of underground practices in a gentrified city – looking at change and collective creativity.
The programme highlights the creative vision, resilience, and communities that have shaped this beloved Bermondsey destination over the past thirteen years. Curated by in-house creative producer Deen Atger, the event features an exhibition, a variety of performances throughout the week, and a party to celebrate.
Ugly Duck will have a broadcast thanks to Montez Press Radio and will host a free collage workshop focusing on the organisation’s mission of sharing and inclusion; everyone is welcome.
Artists participating in A Collective Archive
Confirmed artists participating in Collective Archive include: Claye Bowler, Elodie Gatacre, Aster Munro, Fiona Albrow, Biogal, Blanca Regina, Chloé Filani, Fabrics, Svar Simpson, Georgia Semple, Joy Kincaid, Martin O’Brien, Hazel Blair, Inès Michelotto, Jean Cleverley, John Lee Bird, Josh Quinton, Puer Deorum, Rough Shadi Al-Atallah, Sophie Brain, and Oduenyi Nwike. More wonderful artists will be announced soon.
At the center of the space will be a large-scale installation designed by artists and set designers Rough Fabrics and Fiona Albrow. This design will transform Ugly Duck’s warehouse interior, creating an environment that reflects and honours the numerous film shoots and events that have taken place there over the years, setting the stage for new adventures. Visitors who look closely will discover fragments of Ugly Duck’s past, including memorabilia, hidden artworks, and subtle references to previous happenings.
What started as a temporary project space has, for more than a decade, transformed into a home for experimental, interdisciplinary, and socially engaged work. Ugly Duck has consistently aimed to support underrepresented voices and ideas, offering a platform for creative exploration beyond commercial and institutional limitations. Each year, it becomes increasingly evident that there is a need for a space where art forms can be explored freely, without the pressure of ticket sales or access issues. From the very beginning, Ugly Duck has been a place where risk-taking, play, and collaboration are not only possible but actively encouraged.
“We are immensely proud of the work we’ve accomplished and deeply grateful to the artists, collaborators, funders, and audiences who have made Ugly Duck what it is. While our physical space is transient, the legacy of what we’ve built together will persist—in memories, in friendships, in future projects that are yet to come. This event is the culmination of a community-driven archival project we designed to honour & conserve our legacy of showcasing daring & avant-garde art crucial to London’s LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented communities. Thanks to the support of Arts Council England this will include the publishing of a book, a mixed media archive and concludes with this week long exhibition, performances & talks event to celebrate the impact of UD together”
Deen Atger
A Collective Archive schedule of events
Ugly Duck invites audiences to join a summer gathering that expresses gratitude and explores collective possibilities.
The event opens on June 12 and features an exhibition along with performances by London-based live artist Biogal and artists from Southwark Pride. This gathering is curated by the Bold Melon Collective, a multidisciplinary arts organisation dedicated to amplifying intersectional queer and migrant stories.
On June 13, there is a unique opportunity to experience the work of renowned performance artist Martin O’Brien. Martin has not only hosted events at Ugly Duck but has also performed there for extended periods. He now returns with a 3-hour version of his piece, Fading Out of Dead Air (Transmissions for the Necropolis). This haunting, durational work premiered at Whitechapel Gallery in 2023 and originally lasted 12 hours.
On June 14, following an afternoon collage workshop facilitated by the Bold Mellon Collective, there will be a broadcast of Gushing with Gabby, hosted by Gabriela Cala-Lesina, featuring Deen Atger and other guests to be announced via Montez Press Radio. The special evening event, The Last Dance!, will transform the exhibition space into a dance floor, with DJs Josh Quinton and members of Tribe Incorporated providing the music, along with a performance by Sophie Brain.
The closing event on Sunday, June 15, will feature performances by Chloé Filani, Puer Deorum, and Joy Kincaid.
Collective Archive is on 12-15 June 2025, at Ugly Duck, 49 Tanner St, London SE1 3PL, United Kingdom.
Full programme and ticket prices:
Tickets: £8-£12 plus free exhibition and daytime events
Weekend Pass £40.00 Conc. £25.00
Thursday 12th June: Opening soirée, exhibition and performances from Biogal and Southwark Pride artists curated by Bold Mellon Collective, 6-9pm. Tickets £8-£12
Friday 13th June: Exhibition open from 1pm, Free. Ticketed performance from Martin O’Brien from 7-10pm, doors 6.30pm. Tickets £8-£12
Saturday 14th June: Archive collage workshop 2-5pm, Panel talk live radio show 3pm Free. The Last Dance evening party 7pm until late plus performance from Sophie Brain. DJs Josh Quinton and members of Tribe Incorporated. Tickets £8-£12
Sunday 15th June: Closing performances from Chloé Filani, Puer Deorum and Joy Kincaid 2pm-6pm. Tickets £8-12
