State of the Nation: Exchanges on Homelessness

State of the Nation

On April 8-9th 2017, the Museum of Homelessness launched its first major programme with Tate Exchange at Tate Modern.

At Tate Exchange we presented stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

The weekend contained art and performance that showed what’s really happening on the streets, in hostels and around the country. These stories are hidden, despite all they can teach us.

Homelessness has doubled in recent years. Our weekend at Tate Exchange helped people look beyond the stereotypes – the first step towards promoting real change. The full programme is below:

The Programme

State of the Nation encouraged curiosity, invited debate and brought people together in unexpected ways. The programme included:

Workshops and installations (All Weekend)

Exchanged: Part installation, part story-telling space, this collection of objects and stories from across the UK offered a snapshot of what’s happening in hostels, day centres, social housing, on the streets and in people’s lives.

A Soldier’s Story: An installation by artist David Tovey that shares the stories of former military personnel who have experienced homelessness. Ex-service personnel account for one in ten rough sleepers across the UK.

State of the Nation News: Artists and designers from Evening Class produced graphics and visuals about homelessness in the 21st century.

Talks: 12noon – 4.30pm (Saturday 08 April)

State of the Nation: Speakers included artists, politicians and people who have experienced homelessness who discussed the major issues for homelessness in 2017. Click here for the replay videos.

Speakers included:

12noon – 2pm: David Tovey (Artist), Matt Peacock (With One Voice), Beth Knowles (Manchester City Council), James Murray (Deputy Mayor, Greater London Authority) Charlotte Cramer and Scarlett Montanaro (Crack and Cider).

2.30pm – 4.30pm: Rick Henderson (Homeless Link), Focus E15, Antonia Watson (The Wallich), Anthony Luvera and Gerald McLaverty and Lorraine McGrath (Simon Scotland).

Performances: 2pm and 4.30pm (Saturday 08 April)

Music to Inspire: Performances from the Choir with No Name (4.30pm) and musicians from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the West London Day Centre (2pm)

Performances: 2.30pm (Sunday 09 April)

Man on Bench: This event celebrated the beauty of rubbish, second chances, and the power of art in this fashion show created by David Tovey from materials and items of old clothing thrown away on London’s streets.

Click here for the full programme as listed on Tate Modern’s website.