An experimental art project in Peckham, south London, is turning neighbours' rooms into gallery spaces, offering visitors intimate encounters with contemporary art. The project, titled 'Rooms of Neighbours', invites residents to open their homes for curated exhibitions, blurring the lines between public and private.
How the Project Works
Curator Sarah Maple selected 15 households in Peckham to host artworks in their living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Each space features a single piece by a contemporary artist, chosen to resonate with the room's atmosphere. Visitors are given a map and can explore the homes over a weekend, with no admission fee.
According to Maple, the project aims to challenge traditional gallery settings. 'Art becomes part of daily life, and viewers experience it in a personal context,' she said.
Artworks and Spaces
The artworks range from a video installation in a bathroom to a sculpture placed on a dining table. One room features a painting by emerging artist Tom Price, hung above a sofa. Another hosts a sound piece by Maria Chavez, played through a home stereo system.
Maple noted that the selection process was collaborative, with neighbours choosing which artworks they felt comfortable hosting. 'Some were nervous, but most embraced the idea,' she added.
Community Impact
The project has drawn around 200 visitors over its opening weekend, according to organizers. Local resident Jane Smith, who opened her living room, said: 'It’s wonderful to see my home become a place for art and conversation.'
The initiative is part of a broader trend in London towards alternative exhibition spaces, including pop-up galleries and domestic venues. Maple hopes to expand the project to other neighborhoods.
Future Plans
Maple plans to document the project in a book and explore collaborations with schools. 'We want to make art accessible to everyone, not just gallery-goers,' she said.
The 'Rooms of Neighbours' project runs until June 30, 2026, with limited viewing hours. For more information, visit the project's website.
