UP Projects' Floating Cinema project launched

On 1 July 2011 East London-based arts organisation UP Projects, one of the Arts Council's new NPOs, launched its most recent project: the Floating Cinema. This water-borne cinema space (a converted canal boat) will spend July - September navigating the canals and waterways around the Olympic Park in East London. The Floating Cinema has been produced by UP Projects, but was designed by artists StudioWeave. The project was originally created by artists and filmmakers Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie, otherwise known as Somewhere, and winners of the first ever Northern Art Prize in 2007. The programme of screenings and events has been curated by Somewhere.

Inside the cinema (capacity: 12) Photo by Je Ahn

The project is a continuation of UP Projects 'Portavilion' programme of temporary pavilions for London's public spaces. The great benefit of the Floating Cinema being, of course, that it is not only portable, but doesn't even require to be de-constructed in order to be re-erected elsewhere. Plus you're surrounded by the wildlife of the canals while in transit - an extremely relaxing way to travel.

The cinema will host intimate onboard screenings and discussions as well as providing a base for larger outdoor events at different locations on the waterways throughout summer. The programme includes new films made by local film-makers, historic archive screenings and tours by writers Iain Sinclair, Richard Mabey & Michael Smith and comedy performances by Holly Burn, Susie Donkin & Jemima Burrill. 

The project forms part of the Create 2011 summer festival and is commissioned by The Olympic Delivery Authority and funded by Arts Council England.

For the full events programme, visit: http://floatingcinema.info/events/