“Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC) Partners with Camden People’s Theatre in New Community Space at Maria Fidelis School Annex”

Local Camden charity, Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC), has found a new home at the Annex of the old Maria Fidelis School on Starcross Street. The space, acquired for the future HS2 terminus at Euston, is now being repurposed to serve the local community through creative and community-based projects.

ODAC, in partnership with Camden People’s Theatre (CPT), is launching their ‘Neighbourhood Makeshop’ project at the Annex. This initiative aims to provide a space for hands-on community and artistic making, as well as hosting meetings and projects. The building will serve as a flexible space for various creative endeavors, including theater, performance, visual arts, woodwork, crafts, and DIY projects.

One of the key features of the Annex will be the establishment of a ‘Tool Library’ where residents and local artists can access and store DIY, craft, and painting equipment. This initiative, funded by the Euston Meanwhile Use Fund, aims to nurture everyday creativity, promote repair and reuse, and provide a free and accessible resource for the community.

The use of the Annex by ODAC has already kickstarted with the Drummond Street Artists running workshops for local artists affected by homelessness. Additionally, CPT is utilizing the space to support early career artists in creating new work for the community.

According to Daniel Pitt, Creative Director of ODAC, the partnership with CPT and the use of the Annex mark an important step for ODAC in expanding their creative practices and engaging with the local community. The initiative aims to foster artistic creation and collaboration to transform society and the city, while also responding to the needs and desires of local residents.

HS2, the high-speed rail project, has provided support for the temporary repurposing of the Annex for community use. Nick Jones, Project Client for Euston at HS2 Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the vibrant presence that ODAC will bring to the site.

As ODAC continues to develop programs and activities at the Annex, sessions and information will be available on their website. The charity is also seeking a Workshop Facilitator to lead the development of the Tool Library and engage with the community in creative sessions.

HS2’s collaboration with the Euston Partnership and the local community signifies a commitment to repurposing HS2 spaces for community use. The use of the old Maria Fidelis School as a community hub and the opening up of other spaces in Camden demonstrate a proactive approach to engaging with the local community during the redevelopment process.

Overall, the partnership between ODAC, CPT, and HS2 represents a positive step towards utilizing existing infrastructure for the benefit of the community. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, the Neighbourhood Makeshop project at the Annex is poised to make a meaningful impact on the local Camden community.