Back in 1983 the Cafe Gallery was opened by the Bermondsey Artists Group in a derelict former Cafe in Southwark Park.

Two decades of exhibitions, performances and education projects later, the Cafe Gallery's reputation is firmly established. With the helping hands of Art Council aid and Lottery grants, the project has slowly grown beyond all recognition. Once there stood a crumbling cafe - now locals and visitors have use of a purpose built gallery. In an area that has suffered long term decline, the Cafe Gallery has has proven a valuable lifeline to a population largely without access to community art projects.

The organisers of the gallery have long supported fragile and non conformist artistic communities; in 1990 they organised an exchange programme for East Berlin's highly regarded dissident artists. Young and experienced artists alike show works here, usually to great acclaim.

Read Spoonfed's Focus on Bermondsey.