Our history

History

The idea and vision was born out of the Creativity Centre at Isledon's Resource Centre in 2004 as a collaborative project co-founded by artist service users Sara Rivers and Pauline St Marie and arts professionals Owen Smith and Anita Jensen. In 2004, the Other Side Gallery was constituted and registered as a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for marginalized/outsider artists in response to the need for exhibition space and to address gaps in provision.

The vision was to get a permanent space to house the artwork and provide studio space for the artists, however, due to difficulties raising funds for such capital project the gallery was made available online. As the project grew, the Other Side Gallery reached out to provide opportunities to other organisations across London and now has over 200 member-artists from 20 different organisations and exhibits over 2000 art works.

Mission Statement

The Other Side gallery seeks to promote positive wellbeing through participatory projects in the arts and to facilitate social change by creating opportunities for access and inclusion in the arts.

Our Values

• The Other Side is service user led and builds on the strength of its foundation
• Embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity
• Seeks to establish and maintain positive relationships between artists-members and the general public
• Seeks to raise awareness of the value and significance of Contemporary Outsider Art