MERGE is a month-long free arts, music and performance festival bringing an exciting programme of events and installations to unused spaces and historic sites in Bankside, London SE1.
About
Power a laser show with your brainwaves, make a wish in a bioluminescent wishing well, and see a theatre show in a retro gold caravan – these are just some of the experiences brought to you by previous MERGE festivals.
MERGE is Bankside’s imaginative and immersive arts festival which brings together artists in experimental partnerships, and transforms lost buildings in Bankside before regeneration; bringing the character of these unused spaces to the fore. It gives you the opportunity to explore the history of London in a unique way.
We need you to help us make MERGE bigger and better for 2016. MERGE relies heavily on the goodwill of volunteers but this in itself needs management. To meet growing demand we need resource to manage a volunteer programme and deliver more events on a greater scale.
MERGE Bankside will run from 23 September – 23 October 2016.
What we’ll do:
Why it’s a great idea:
MERGE is a free festival, making art accessible to everyone.
The festival was founded upon the basis that people living and working in Bankside wanted to keep a local community feel despite regeneration in the area.
MERGE brings together local communities, workers and visitors as both participants and audiences. Through interactive projects we aim to provide culturally engaging activities that inspire, educate and challenge perceptions.
As Bankside continues to evolve MERGE plays an important role in bringing historic buildings and unusual locations to life, highlighting the rich heritage of the area – once London’s rowdy pleasure quarter.
Where else would you get chance to see tap dancing robots or a melting wax house? MERGE is fun and free, and allows audiences to discover the character of Bankside from a new perspective. Support the arts and help us to secure the future of the festival.
Milestones:
MERGE Bankside has the support of Southwark Council who have contributed £15,000 for specific installations on Blackfriars Road
MERGE seeks to be inventive and resourceful in its approach, changing each year to grow with the expectations of its audiences, giving you new experiences in unusual locations. Our mission is to develop opportunities for artists to create ground-breaking art in unusual spaces where communities can engage, collaborate and be inspired.
MERGE relies heavily on the work and good will of volunteers. As demand and visitor numbers increase every year, we need more volunteers to deliver the festival – which in turn needs management. Support us to deliver a successful volunteer programme and secure the future of this much-loved arts festival.
The first 50 backers who pledge £150 or more will receive an invite for you and a guest to a private launch event at the end of September at the headline installation. Drinks included!