VOICES OF EAST LONDON POP UP
BICESTER VILLAGE
During my tenure as a creative consultant and Ambassador of Art and Culture for Value Retail, I envisioned transforming Bicester Village into more than just a luxury shopping destination—it was my idea to cultivate it into a vibrant cultural hub. My vision was to fuse retail with art and culture, creating an immersive experience that would resonate deeply with visitors.
One of the pinnacle projects that I spearheaded was the development of the "Voices of East London" book, a project close to my heart. This wasn’t just a publication; it was a celebration of East London's eclectic and dynamic creative scene. I envisioned an exclusive concept store within Bicester Village that would bring this book to life, offering visitors a curated selection of fashion, art, home decor, and design pieces from some of the most promising emerging artists of East London. This space wasn’t just a store; it was an art gallery, a boutique, and a cultural statement all rolled into one, showcasing the intersection of commerce and creativity.
As the Director of Arts and Culture, I didn’t stop at curating spaces—I created an entire multidisciplinary arts and culture events program that breathed life into the Village. These events were designed to engage the senses, provoke thought, and invite visitors to experience Bicester Village as a destination where art, culture, and retail coexist harmoniously. The program included everything from live art installations and performances to intimate talks with artists, transforming the Village into a vibrant cultural destination that drew in not only shoppers but also art enthusiasts and culture seekers.
Together with the Value Retail team, I curated, designed, and launched initiatives that broke the mold of traditional retail, setting a new standard for what a shopping destination could be—a place where creativity thrives and where every visit is an exploration of culture as much as commerce.