A Collective Archive
12–15 June 2025
Ugly Duck, London
A Collective Archive is a four-day celebration of artistic practices, shared resistance, and the many communities that have shaped Ugly Duck over the past thirteen years. What began as a temporary project space became a home for interdisciplinary, experimental, and politically engaged work—a space for collaboration, risk, and ideas outside the margins of mainstream culture.
We invite you to join us for this final chapter: a gathering, a gesture of gratitude, and a call to collective imagination.
Programme:
Thursday 12 June (6–10 pm)
Join us for the opening soirée with an exhibition featuring 15+ multidisciplinary artists, immersive installations, and live performances by Biogal and Helga Alarcón.
Friday 13 June
Exhibition open: 1–6 pm
Performance Night (6–10 pm)
Martin O’Brien presents Fading Out of Dead Air (3-hour durational performance)
Saturday 14 June
A Collective Collage Workshop (2–5 pm) with Bold Mellon Collective
(All works donated to Bishopsgate Institute)
Gushing with Gabby (5–6 pm)
A Montez Press Radio broadcast hosted by Gabriela Cala-Lesina with Deen Atger, Biogal and Oduenyi Nwike
Bold Mellon Collective Commissions (6–7 pm)
Performances by Helin Karabil, Hḗrā Santos, Emilia Nurmulhamet & Dear Annie
Tribe Incorporated: Sound and Poetry (7–8 pm)
The Last Dance (8:30 pm–midnight)
Music: Josh Quinton & friends
Performance: Sophie Brain
(Join us for a final celebration in this incredible building as we turn the garage into a dancefloor!)
Sunday 15 June
Exhibition open: 1–6 pm
Closing Performances (3–6 pm)
Chloé Filani, Puer Deorum & Joy Kincaid
Confirmed artists include Biogal, Blanca Regina, Chloé Filani, Claye Bowler, Elodie Gatacre & Aster Munro, Fiona Albrow, Georgia Semple, Hazel Blair, Jean Cleverley, John Lee Bird, Josh Quinton, Joy Kincaid, Luis M.S Santos, Martin O'Brien, Puer Deorum, Rough Fabrics, Svar Simpson, Oduenyi Nwikke, Shadi Al'Atallah, Sophie Brain, Nurul Wardani, Adam Krishan Popli …
This project is a celebration of what has been possible and what can be done again. A reflection on subversive practices in a gentrified city. Not from a place of mourning, but from a desire to imagine otherwise.
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+ community. 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 UD together.
*Poster design Alfie Allen - https://www.alfie-allen.com/
🎟 Ticket Types Explained
- Concession (Unwaged / Low-Income):
This reduced-price ticket is for those who are currently unable to pay the full standard ticket price due to financial circumstances. This includes people who are unemployed, underemployed, students, or in receipt of benefits. - Standard:
This is the general admission ticket. If you are comfortably able to pay this rate, we encourage you to select this option. - Supporter / Donate-a-Seat:
Purchasing a ticket at this tier helps us subsidise concession and Pay-What-You-Can places for those who otherwise couldn’t afford to attend. You are directly supporting community access and inclusion. Thank you!
💛 Community & Support Notes
- Can’t afford even a concession ticket?
We believe cost should never be a barrier. We’ve reserved a small number of Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC) spots. Please email [your contact email here] to request one—no explanation needed. - Help make our event accessible:
Choosing the Supporter tier helps cover costs for unwaged or low-income attendees. Every ticket at this level directly contributes to a more inclusive event. - Sliding-scale pricing:
All our tickets are offered on a sliding scale. We trust you to choose the level that feels fair and comfortable for your circumstances. - Plans changed?
If you can no longer attend, tickets are refundable—just get in touch with us.