Mixing art and community in East London

Ally Gordon in Husk (Photo: London City Mission)

London City Mission is collaborating in a new artist-led gallery and project space in East London.

Husk has been set up with the help of Morphē Arts and Departure, London City Mission's cafe and arts centre in Limehouse.

The project aims to engage the local community with contemporary art and wider culture. The space will provide the opportunity for artists to come together and for members of the public to appreciate their art.

Husk takes its name for the Danish word for 'remember'. The project sits within Departure, in what was the old Danish Seaman's Mission chapel. A memorial plaque to the sailors of Denmark who gave their lives in WWII can still be found on the wall below the organ bearing the word 'husk'.

Husk's current exhibition is entitled Monochrome and will be on display until 27 July. It features pieces from Ann-Marie James, Karen David and Alastair John Gordon, Departure's artist in residence.

Alistair Gordon, curator and founder of Husk, said: "Whether we realise it or not, art plays a big part in our lives. Humans are inherently creative and our art can function in several ways.

"It can be a window, like looking through a frame to see something of the way in which the artist sees the world or an idea.

"Sometimes it's like a mirror, reflecting your own ideas about the world, culture or morality back at you. It can also provide an excellent point of contact with people as it creates conversations about philosophy, emotions and theology."

More information on Husk and future exhibitions can be found at: http://departure.org.uk/husk

News
CoE sees surge in interest this Christmas amid reports of a 'quiet revival'
CoE sees surge in interest this Christmas amid reports of a 'quiet revival'

The Church of England has said that it is experiencing a surge in interest and that it has registered a record number of services this Christmas.

Nicaragua bans international visitors from bringing in Bibles
Nicaragua bans international visitors from bringing in Bibles

Nicaragua has gone up the league table of anti-Christian persecutors.

The little-known prayers written by Jane Austen
The little-known prayers written by Jane Austen

It is now 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen whose books and their many screen adaptations are beloved around the world. Not many people know that she was a devout Christian who also wrote devotional prayers. This is the story …

The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels
The Anglican worldview of Jane Austen’s life and novels

16 December 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of novelist Jane Austen, who was born in southern England in 1775. Her novels are steeped in biblical analogy and practical theology. This is the story…