HWED CIC is a dynamic force for promoting local culture (dubbed “the most vital event of the Summer” by NY Arts Mag) in the artistic communities of Hackney Wick and Fish Island (HWFI), organising events to provide a platform for local emerging artists to showcase their work alongside more established names. Annual highlight is HWAF, which is established as one of London’s biggest and most unique art events. It brings the streets of HWFI alive over three days in August with impromptu performance, exhibitions, open studios, live music, art markets, film, talks, development workshops, live installations and more... bringing an ever increasing number of London-wide and international visitors, art critics and collectors to the area. Whilst creating “a brilliantly varied three day event in the energy, optimism and improvisation stakes at least – topping the capital's more established art fairs” (Saatchi Gallery magazine), HWAF's biggest success has been drawing together a fragmented artist community to create new networks and audiences.
Festival Biography and Projects
2008: One of 1st organisation founded in the early days of HWFI’s establishment as an artistic community. Highlights: Paul Noble (opportunity to visit the studio of a Turner Prize nominee). Eloise Fornieles and Greta Alfaro (film screening).
2009: Local artist Gavin Turk became Patron & visitors reached 10,000. Highlights: Fantich & Young and Grant Foster.
2010: Attendance of 20,000; Highlights: Laura Oldfield-Ford and Stephen Gill.
2011: Attendance of 25,000; included 17 Galleries, 20 open studio buildings, 600+ artists, popup events, 2 live music stages and Braziliality exhibition (Press Award for the Best Cultural event in UK).
2012: Hiatus from the full festival format: events included an open studios weekend, art markets.
2013: Return of the full festival format after the Olympics in neighbouring Stratford with 25,000 attendees.
2014: Curation of artworks, including local artists Gavin Turk, workshops and music as part of the V&A ‘Hackney Wick Takeover’
2014: 35,000 in attendance, formation of the Hackney WickED Riveria, record number of open studios visitors, Arts Council funding and more
