Queerguru’s Ris Fatah previews Ugly Duck’s closing programme, A Collective Archive. on June 12-15 at London’s celebrated queer performance space.

Deen Atger by Jean Cleverley

London’s celebrated queer performance space, Ugly Duck is sadly closing. The final programme, this 12-15 June, is A Collective Archive, a four-day celebration of artistic practices. Highlighting the creative vision, resistance and communities that have shaped this much-loved Bermondsey destination over the past thirteen years, A Collective Archive, comprises an exhibition, performances and a closing party. In addition, Ugly Duck will have a broadcast courtesy of Montez Press Radio and will also be running a free collage workshop highlighting the organisation’s emphasis on sharing and inclusion, all welcome.

Confirmed artists include Biogal, Blanca Regina, Chloé Filani, Claye Bowler, Elodie Gatacre & Aster Munro, Fiona Albrow, Georgia Semple, Hazel Blair, Inès Michelotto, Jean Cleverley, John Lee Bird, Josh Quinton, Joy Kincaid, Martin O’Brien, Puer Deorum, Rough Fabrics, Svar Simpson, Shadi Al-Atallah, Sophie Brain, Oduenyi Nwike with more to be announced.

At the heart of the space will be a large-scale installation designed by artists and set designers Rough Fabrics and Fiona Albrow. The design will take over Ugly Duck’s warehouse interior, transforming it into a space which reflects and pays homage to the multitude of film shoots and events hosted over the years, setting the stage for new adventures. Fragments of Ugly Duck’s past, including memorabilia, hidden artworks, and subtle nods to previous happenings, will reward those who look a little closer.

What began as a temporary project space has, for more than a decade, evolved into a home for experimental, interdisciplinary and socially engaged work. Ugly Duck has continually sought to champion underrepresented voices and ideas, providing a platform for creative exploration beyond commercial and institutional constraints. Year after year, the need for a place where artforms can be explored freely, without the pressure of ticket sales or access, has become clear. From the outset, Ugly Duck has always been a space where risk-taking, play and collaboration are not only possible but actively encouraged.

Ugly Duck invites audiences to join this summer gathering, gesture of gratitude and call to collective possibilities. The opening on June 12 features an exhibition plus performances from London-based live artist Biogal and artists from Southwark Pride curated by Bold Melon Collective, a multidisciplinary arts organisation dedicated to amplifying intersectional queer and migrant stories.

June 13 offers a rare opportunity to experience the work of renowned performance artist Martin O’Brien. Martin has not only hosted events at Ugly Duck but performed there over excessive time periods. He now returns with a 3-hour version of Fading Out of Dead Air (Transmissions for the Necropolis), a haunting, durational piece which premiered at Whitechapel Gallery in 2023 over a period of 12 hours. On June 14 following an afternoon collage workshop facilitated by Bold Mellon Collective, there will be the broadcast Gushing with Gabby hosted by Gabriela Cala-Lesina with Deen Atger and other guests to be announced via Montez Press Radio. Special evening event The Last Dance! sees the exhibition space transform into a dancefloor as DJs Josh Quinton and members of the Tribe Incorporated provide the sounds and Sophie Brain performs. The closing event on Sunday June 15 features performances from Chloé Filani, Puer Deorum and Joy Kincaid

With A Collective Archive, Ugly Duck reaffirms its core values, understanding that art spaces are shaped not only by artists but by audiences, organisers and communities.

Deen Atger says: “We are immensely proud of the work we’ve accomplished and deeply grateful to the artists, collaborators, funders, and audiences who have made Ugly Duck what it is. While our physical space is transient, the legacy of what we’ve built together will persist—in memories, in friendships, in future projects that are yet to come. This event is the culmination of a community-driven archival project we designed to honour & conserve our legacy of showcasing daring & avant-garde art crucial to London’s LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented communities. Thanks to the support of Arts Council England this will include the publishing of a book, a mixed media archive and concludes with this week-long exhibition, performances & talks event to celebrate the impact of Ugly Duck together.

As we prepare to say goodbye to the space, we are launching A Collective Archive – a four-day invitation to reflect on underground practices, resistance, and collective organising. This isn’t a mourning. It’s a celebration of what’s been possible—and a call to imagine what comes next. Please join us during the event June 12–15 for a final celebration”

Full programme:
Thursday 12 June: Opening soirée, exhibition and performances from Biogal and Southwark Pride artists curated by Bold Mellon Collective, 6-9pm Tickets £8-£12

Friday 13 June: Exhibition open from 1pm, Free. Ticketed performance from Martin O’Brien from 7-10pm, doors 6.30pm £8-£12

Saturday 14 June: Archive collage workshop 2-5pm, Panel talk live radio show 3pm Free. The Last Dance evening party 7pm until late plus performance from Sophie Brain. DJs Josh Quinton and members of Tribe Incorporated. Tickets £8-£12

Sunday 15 June: Closing performances from Chloé Filani, Puer Deorum and Joy Kincaid 2pm-6pm £8-12

 

http://uglyduck.org.uk

49 Tanner St, London SE1 3PL

Tickets: £8-£12 plus free exhibition and daytime events: https://www.outsavvy.com/event/27147/a-collective-archive-ugly-duck#anchor

Weekend Pass £40.00 Conc. £25.00

Tickets  https://www.outsavvy.com/event/27147/a-collective-archive-ugly-duck#anchor

 

 

Biogal by Celia Croft

 

Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah