The Lift

In May 2006 Lift launched an architectural competition to create The Lift. Architects from all over the world were invited to submit ideas for a mobile arts venue that could be raised quickly, with a flexible interior capable of hosting a range of events – from large-scale performances to intimate discussions. The brief required entrants to work collaboratively with local community groups to develop initial ideas into a final design.

Four architects were shortlisted from a total of 56 submissions. Designs were presented at the Community Jury – comprising of 7 residents from Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Greenwich – and then a final presentation was made to a panel of architectural experts. The final decision was also influenced by a public vote through the Lift website. The winning design was produced by London architects AOC.

To ensure AOC’s design would create a venue that was flexible and welcoming, Lift’s team of artist facilitators and AOC delivered 30 Creative Workshops to 200 people over 3 months. These workshops explored the types of spaces that made people comfortable and how this could be incorporated into the structure.  From the Creative Workshops, the Building Development Group was formed – a team of 30, aged from 6 years up. The group met with AOC 5 times over 16 months to engage in key stages of The Lift’s design. The final design was presented to the group in April 2008.

The Lift will be unveiled to all the Creative Workshop participants at a private viewing in early June, in advance of its launch at Lift Festival 2008. Lift benefited from considerable financial support to build The Lift. The major funder was London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and further support was received from Arts Council England and individual givers. Funding for The Lift project was also provided by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Shoreditch Trust and Fidelity UK Foundation.

The names of the Creative Workshop participants and funders are permanently displayed within The Lift as a testimony to the crucial role they played in making The Lift happen.

During Lift Festival 2008

On site music brought to you by burntprogress' night of unreleased tracks, CDR. Visit http://www.myspace.com/burntprogress and http://www.burntprogress.com.