We are very excited to announce that we are part of a new artwork by Miranda July and Artangel which takes the form of an interfaith charity shop.
Located on the third floor of Selfridges, the charity shop is open to the public from 31 August – 22 October 2017.
Styled by artist, writer and filmmaker Miranda July, this is the UK’s first interfaith charity shop that is run and staffed jointly by four faith-based charities chosen by Miranda July: Islamic Relief, Jewish charity Norwood, London Buddhist Centre and Spitalfields Crypt Trust.
This exciting art installation really appealed to us. Creativity, compassion and collaboration lie at the heart of this project and are exactly how SCT supports those struggling with addiction into recovery and healing.We wanted to stand alongside and support other charities at a time in which we are all under considerable pressure. It has allowed us to work together and celebrate the role of faith in society and charity.Steve Coles, CEO of SCT
Steve Coles, our CEO said “Charity shops raise money to help transform peoples’ lives. Simple as that. This exciting art installation really appealed to us. Creativity, compassion and collaboration lie at the heart of this project and are exactly how SCT supports those struggling with addiction into recovery and healing. We wanted to stand alongside and support other charities at a time in which we are all under considerable pressure. It has allowed us to work together and celebrate the role of faith in society and charity.”
The proceeds of the shop will be shared equally between the four partners and net sales are divided equally between the four participating charity shops. SCT will be donating 2.5% of their share to Providence Row.
Items for sale are typical of those traditionally sold in charity shops – second-hand clothes, books, games, DVD’s, kitchenware, toys ornaments and bric-a-brac. Prices are the same as in any charity shop.
Items for sale are typical of those traditionally sold in charity shops – second-hand clothes, books, games, DVD’s, kitchenware, toys ornaments and bric-a-brac. Prices are the same as in any charity shop.
Miranda July is known for artworks that depend upon the public’s participation — be they apps, performances or sculptures. Her interfaith charity shop at Selfridges will present customers with an unexpected retail experience that will resonate with founder Harry Gordon Selfridge’s famous pronouncement in 1909 that his store was created as an open house, where “everyone is welcome”.
For many years I’ve wanted to make a store as artwork; utilising the inherently participatory conventions of commerce. When I first came to London, in my twenties, I was giddily amazed by the sheer number of charity shops, but it’s only in creating this store with Artangel that I understand what a radically unique economic model they are. The nuances of this come from my faith-based charity shop partners and from the site; Selfridges.Miranda July
Miranda July said “For many years I’ve wanted to make a store as artwork; utilising the inherently participatory conventions of commerce. When I first came to London, in my twenties, I was giddily amazed by the sheer number of charity shops, but it’s only in creating this store with Artangel that I understand what a radically unique economic model they are. The nuances of this come from my faith-based charity shop partners and from the site; Selfridges.”
Michael Morris & James Lingwood, Co-Directors of Artangel, said “Artists continually lead Artangel into uncharted territory so we are delighted to be collaborating with Miranda July in joining forces with four faith-based charities on the third floor of Selfridges. Our shop within a shop, like London itself, is proudly open to the world.”
