To create a world-class mixed arts space on a historic ship in the old docks of Canary Wharf
Artship's keel was laid in 1938 - when London’s docks were filled with similar ships. It’s now one of the last of its kind. Restored and lovingly converted into a public arts centre the ship has a new lease of life.
It’s a unique space, in a really special part of London, and we really hope our programming reflects some of that. The docks have always introduced new things to London, and we’re keen to continue that history with events that highlight new and interesting voices, and bring new audiences to more established artists.
There's a special alchemy in ports - where people and ideas come from all over the world and mix - it's part of what makes East London so special and our project hopes to mirror that. We aim for an events programme where people and ideas can continue to mix. We want to provide a space for the interdisciplinary, the underepresented, and the experimental, and a shared social space for people to meet and connect.
In celebrating the rich history of this area we try to look forwards: whether that's through new recompositions of ancient folk tunes, contemporary performances paired with classic films, or through loving repairs to keep the ship alive for another hundred years. Most of all we hope to create a space that feels welcoming - and we can't wait to welcome you onboard!
Heritage: We want to celebrate the rich history of the area by opening a public arts centre onboard a living piece of its history.
Diversity: We are committed to developing an arts programme whose range and quality reflect the brilliant diversity of this location and its inhabitants.
Environment: We aim to enhance Canary Wharf’s environment, ecologically and socially, and to serve as a beacon of sustainability.
Community: We hope to enhance the social, cultural and artistic life of the area, by creating a public arts venue which benefits local workers and residents and attracts visitors from across London. We want to remain welcoming and friendly, with a focus on providing shared social space.
Accessibility: This project is committed to accessibility: broadening access to the arts through programming choices and the warmth of our team, removing financial barriers with our no-questions asked discounted tickets policy, and aiming to make our space as physically accessible as we can.
Want to read more about a team member? Just click a porthole!
Built in 1938, the ship was one of the first ever Diesel Coasters - a class of coastal cargo ship that dominated European short-sea shipping through the Second World War and the first half of the 20th Century. At their peak there were over 1000 of these boats trading throughout the North Sea and Baltic. Now, she's one of only a handful left intact.
Transporting bulk dry cargoes like grain and coal from Europe right into the heart of London, ships liek this were once a common sight in London's docks, but the rise of containerisation in the 1960s moved shipping out of central London and lead to the eventual dereliction of the old docks.
With a riveted steel hull, and classic sweeping lines, the ship speaks to a different age of shipping.
The ship spent over 80 years in continuous service, trading bulk dry cargo around the port cities of Northern Europe.
Now, returning to West India Dock and converted to a new arts space, she continues to serve the needs of the Docklands communities, as she always has.
The ship will become a new public space, reflecting the rich history of the docks, while looking forwards to a future of live events and lively community.
The ship features a spacious exhibition space on the upper deck, a characterful community café bar on the lower deck, and a 220 capacity installation space in the old cargo hold. We can't wait to invite you onboard.
After crossing safely from Germany, the Ship will be moored on the Millwall Cutting, London. This is a convenient location, just 30 second walk from the South Quay DLR and a 5 minutes walk from Canary Wharf Jubilee line.
what3words is ///model.potato.works
We are moored on the new Arts and Heritage Berth, alongside other ships of public or historic interest, including Theatreship and Tugboat Addie, one of only two surviving British Waterways steam tugs.
The Artship project is built on skilled and motivated people coming together and learning from each other. So naturally, skill-sharing is at the heart of what we do. We believe strongly that there should be no barrier to learning new skills, and that no existing skill set or ability prevents you from learning new, unfamiliar ones.
This is why we are always looking for volunteers to get involved with us. Maybe you have particular skills you think could contribute, such as in theatre, production, construction or boat maintenance? Maybe you just want to learn something completely new? We’d love to hear from you!
If you fancy getting involved, then simply click below to sign up and we’ll get back to you.
