UNDEREXPOSED

WHO WE ARE

UNDEREXPOSED ARTS is a black led arts and cultural organisation dedicated to promoting positive representation. We celebrate culturally diverse talent by collaborating with artists to create exhibitions, films, talks, education programmes and workshops that inspire imagination, creativity and critical thinking. We hope to empower young people to explore notions of self-identity, representation and creative self-expression.

OUR PURPOSE

+ To deliver high impact and cultural artistic interventions.

+ To build platforms for collaborations that facilitate positive representation and create inclusive opportunity.

+ To inspire young people through our creative interventions, learning resources and the sharing of wisdom through our GEMS OF KNOWLEDGE hub.

OUR JOURNEY

UNDEREXPOSED ARTS was founded in 2008 by actor Fraser James, known for his varied roles in film, television and theatre and award-winning visual artist Franklyn Rodgers, to address the perceived lack of positive black role models in UK contemporary society.

In 2019, MOUNTVIEW Academy of Theatre Arts proudly relaunched UNDEREXPOSED as UNDEREXPOSED ARTS. This exciting rebranding occurred as MOUNTVIEW's new building was constructed on the exact location of our original public art exhibition, which had been an integral part of the Peckham community for a decade starting in 2008.
To celebrate our relaunch, we took six portraits from our ‘Original Collection’ and installed them onto the large portrait, road-facing windows of MOUNTVIEW. These striking images now grace the exterior of the building, making a bold statement about our commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions.

In 2022, we further expanded our endeavours with the launch of our new collection titled 'The Next Gen.' This collection showcases the works and interviews of 20 black British and Dual Heritage artists, cultural contributors, creatives, and activists. The aim was to provide a platform for these talented individuals to share their unique perspectives, experiences, and visions with the world.

During Black History Month, we proudly exhibited 'The Next Gen' collection, amplifying the voices and contributions of these remarkable artists. People in the Peckham community and beyond were able to experience this inspiring collection and reflect on the richness of black British and Dual Heritage art and culture.
While our original portraits are still rooted in the Peckham community and can be viewed at PeckhamPlex cinema, our new collection of portraits, 'The Next Gen,' now adorns the road-facing windows of MOUNTVIEW Academy of Theatre Arts. This strategic placement ensures that these powerful images continue to make a statement, capturing the attention and curiosity of passersby.

As UNDEREXPOSED ARTS continues to evolve and make its mark in the artistic landscape, we remain dedicated to promoting inclusivity and showcasing diverse voices in the arts. Our partnerships allow us to seamlessly integrate our collections into the fabric of these vibrant surroundings, fostering dialogue and appreciation for underrepresented artists and their contributions. Our commitment to public art, diversity, and community engagement remains steadfast, as demonstrated by the bold installations and thought-provoking collections that continue to captivate audiences both locally and beyond.

OUR FUTURE

Our primary objective is to foster an environment that nurtures creativity and supports education initiatives. By combining these two elements, we strive to empower young minds and assist them in broadening their imagination to its fullest potential.

It is our firm belief that by providing innovative platforms for creative work, we can cultivate positive change in generations to come. We aspire to inspire all those who interact with our endeavours. Through our initiatives, we aim to ignite a spark of possibility within individuals, prompting them to take affirmative action towards a better future. We firmly believe that each individual possesses the ability to enact positive change, and we hope to serve as a catalyst for transforming their aspirations into reality.

Our shared vision is to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives towards a brighter tomorrow.