Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is part of a new artwork by Miranda July and Artangel which takes the form of an interfaith charity shop.
It is located on the third floor of Selfridges and open to the public from 31 August – 22 October 2017.
The shop is by artist, writer and filmmaker Miranda July. It is a major commission by arts organisation Artangel, and the artist’s first commission in the UK.
This is the UK’s first interfaith charity shop is run and staffed jointly by four religious charities chosen by Miranda July: Islamic Relief, Jewish charity Norwood, London Buddhist Centre and Spitalfields Crypt Trust.
The proceeds will be shared equally between the four partners, all of whom run their own charity shops.
Net sales are divided equally between the four participating charity shops. Each is donating 2.5% of their share to another charity of their choice: Islamic Relief is donating to The Bike Project; Norwood to Carers in Hertfordshire; London Buddhist Centre to Praxis Community Project; and Spitalfields Crypt Trust 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.
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”.
Steve Coles, CEO of Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT), 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.”
For further press information please contact:
Sonia Rai
communications@sct.org.uk / 020 7613 5722
Listings Information
Miranda July’s Interfaith Charity Shop at Selfridges
31 August – 22 October 2017
3rd Floor, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 09:30-21.00, Sun 11:30 – 18:00*. *11.30 – 12.00 is browsing time only.
#opentotheworld
www.artangel.org.uk
www.selfridges.org.uk
Notes to Editors
The full name of the work is:
ARTANGEL & MIRANDA JULY present
NORWOOD JEWISH CHARITY SHOP,
LONDON BUDDHIST CENTRE CHARITY SHOP &
SPITALFIELDS CRYPT TRUST CHARITY SHOP in solidarity with
ISLAMIC RELIEF CHARITY SHOP at SELFRIDGES
Spitalfields Crypt Trust
Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is an East London charity providing practical help for people recovering from complex drug and alcohol addictions.
We provide homes, therapy, productive activity and a supportive community to help people to avoid relapses and lead healthier, happier lives. We run:
• A drop-in providing food and shelter for homeless people in Shoreditch
• Shared homes in London for people to start and continue their recovery
• A personal development centre providing free life skills courses in literacy, computing and maths, alongside creative classes in art, woodwork and gardening
• Social enterprises to help people get work experience and gain from a more positive way of life
• Social events to help build supportive relationships in the local recovery community
Our support isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach but is personalised to fit each person’s individual needs and hopes.
Our approach combines Christian values with best practice and innovation. We help people of all faiths and none.
We run seven charity shops across East London. Find out more at: www.sct.org.uk/charityshops