Discover the East London Art Scene with Artfeelers

12 January, 2010
by: Tom Jeffreys

Ever been intimidated by the East London contemporary art scene? Well not any more. Let Artfeelers lend you a guiding hand.

There’s far more to the London art scene than major London institutions like Tate Modern or the National Gallery. But unfortunately the world of contemporary art can often still seem a distant and inaccessible one. At Spoonfed, we’ve made it our mission to keep our readers informed, not only about all the news and exhibitions at the capital’s best-known arts centres, but also about all those funny little galleries and venues that you may not otherwise have even heard of.

But sometimes telling people is not enough: sometimes you have to show them. And this is where Artfeelers comes in. Founded in 2009 by Claire Flannery, Artfeelers aims to open up the sometimes-intimidating world of the East London contemporary art scene by organising regular guided tours around a range of galleries and artists’ studios that lie, as it were, off the beaten track.

As Claire herself explains: “Artfeelers tours are no ordinary tours - we're lifting the lid on contemporary art in East London. It's a well-known secret that, hidden away from all the big museums and galleries, there is an exciting undercurrent that makes London one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It can be daunting though, and you may not know where to start when it comes to visiting the lesser known art spaces.”

And here’s the crux: “On our weekly art tours, we will personally guide you around, and introduce you to the artists, curators and gallerists who are making it all happen.”

With an intimate and relaxed atmosphere (groups consist of a maximum of 10 people), ease, accessibility and discovery are the watchwords. Each tour takes in three or four small galleries and studios, the kinds of places – hidden away in warehouses or disused shops – that are easily overlooked.

Optional drinks afterwards allow participants to mull over what they’ve seen and make new and interesting friends. “It’s akin,” says Claire, “to your friend showing you around their favourite spots.”

Having gained extensive experience working at the Serpentine, Somerset House and Arts & Business, Claire is the ideal guide – knowledgeable but not intimidating. Young, local (she lives in Bethnal Green) and with a broad range of friends and contacts in the East London art world, Claire is perfectly placed to open up this fascinating part of our great city.

Artfeelers tours take place every Saturday and last approximately 2 hours. Tours cost £10 (£5 Concessions) and you can reserve a place here: http://www.artfeelers.com/booking.html