Agata
Zielinska-Hryn has transformed a neglected retail space on 15 Dartmouth Road
into a colourful social enterprise supporting the creative community in Forest
Hill and surrounding areas. Doopo Doopo sells a range of pieces (many locally
themed) created by local artists and designers, whilst also offering workshops,
events and film screenings to help people of all ages develop their skills and
kindle a love for art and creativity.
“It's
been said that there are over 600 artists in this area (Forest Hill, Honor Oak,
Sydenham, Dulwich) so it's impossible to keep up,” says Agata. “I wanted to
give people the opportunity first to display and sell their works, and also for
residents of Forest Hill and beyond just to see what beautiful people and art
we have in our area. I opened in April 2012, and in May we had the Dulwich Arts
Festival and I remember one tiring but amazing weekend when I was dragging my
girls behind me and we went through a hundred studios in two days - seeing all
the artists, having quick conversations, introducing myself and my idea -
asking whether they would be interested in displaying their works ... and
that's how it all started really.”
Lowbrow art
With
other venues like Canvas & Cream, The Montage, Stag & Bow and
soon-to-open V22 at Louise House, there are plenty of opportunities to get
creative in Forest Hill. Agata’s philosophy is that there’s room for everyone,
and that they all benefit from this increasingly visible creative scene: “I’m
happy just selling local artists and to be in the local community. We all know
each other here [as traders]. It's so beautiful that you can walk the streets
here and you're constantly saying hi to everyone.”
For
Doopo Doopo, one important principle is what Agata likes to call “lowbrow” art:
“My idea was to create an opportunity for people who may be a bit shy [to show
their work]; or for older artists who never succeeded anywhere and became very
introverted. So it's not just about having very well known artists and
designers here - it's about helping people understand that art is subjective
and if they think that they can create and if they feel good creating things,
then maybe someone else will like it. Every single piece can have its own
fans.”
Creative hub
These
days Agata doesn’t need to head out and recruit people, because there’s a
constant stream of locals who visit the shop eager to show their work. But
selling art and design is only one part of what happens here. There are regular
workshops for people interested in oil painting, guitar lessons, printing and
jewellery making along with kids’ art classes. Also coming soon are courses in
decoupage, lino printing, screen printing, t-shirt printing and up-cycling.
A
large downstairs area is being refurbished and will be ready soon, offering
studios for rent along with a space for events, theatre, exhibitions and
cinema. Amongst the new tenants will be some local musicians and a tattoo
studio. In the meantime Doopo Doopo is already active on the Forest Hill film
scene through the Vortex Cinema Club which organises regular screenings and
other film-related events. Keep an eye out for the Forest Hill Film Festival
which kicks off on 14th July.
As
a social enterprise, Doopo Doopo trades with an eye on supporting the local
community, with clear guidelines stating that profits must be re-invested to
further this social purpose. Social enterprises are not automatically entitled
to financial assistance (such as business rates relief) from local councils,
although this is something Agata and others are working to change. In the
meantime the continued active support from the Forest Hill community is vital
to ensure its survival, as indeed is true of all our local businesses.
In
Doopo Doopo’s case, there’s an opportunity to own a piece of Forest Hill
through buying locally-themed and locally-made art, and also to tap into the
vibrant, creative community of artists, designers, musicians and filmmakers
which together contribute to making Forest Hill an exciting place to live.
More information
- Shop, workshops, studios, exhibitions and events: www.doopodoopo.co.uk - 0203 632 5041 - 15 Dartmouth Road
- Film Festival and Vortex Cinema club: www.vortexcinemaclub.co.uk
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