LINE UP INCLUDED JOHN NIVEN, THE MACCABEES’ ORLANDO WEEKS, DAVID NICHOLLS, PUSSY RIOT’S MARIA ALYOKHINA, LAURA DOCKRILL AND ROB CARTER
Last night, housing and homelessness charity Shelter held the first of its Gimme Shelter series of cultural events for 2017.
Acts who took to the stage included cult author John Niven (Kill Your Friends) reading from novel No Good Deed, The Maccabees’ front man Orlando Weeks, who performed his debut reading of his new picture book ‘The Gritterman’, Pussy Riot’s Maria Alyokhina, who read from ‘Riot Days’ her account of her arrest, trial and imprisonment, author David Nicholls (One Day, Starter for Ten) who performed a letter from Dexter to Emma from One Day, performance poet, songwriter and author Laura Dockrill who read odes to her mother and comedian Rob Carter.
Speaking of taking part in the event, Orlando Weeks said ‘‘I’m excited to be taking part in my first Book Slam event for Shelter. It’s heartbreaking that in 2017 so many people are struggling with homelessness and bad housing – this needs to change.”
Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter said: “We’re hugely excited to relaunch Gimme Shelter this September with a programme of exciting cultural events, and call on the public to join us in the fight against bad housing and homelessness. The series wouldn’t be possible without the support of the artists who’ve kindly donated their time, and for that we’re incredibly grateful.”
Yesterday, Shelter launched the second of its Gimme Shelter series of cultural events for Autumn 2017 – ‘Gimme Shelter – Art’.
The event at Oval Space on 2nd October will welcome fashion designer and creative director Giles Deacon, iconic graphic artist and print designer Anthony Burrill and award-winning performance artist and contemporary photographer Juno Calypso for a night in conversation. The trio will discuss their work, using art for social change, creative industries in London and the impact of housing on emerging artists and their creativity. Tickets are available via ballot now until 9am 22nd September with tickets priced at £15 at: www.shelter.org.uk/art
Gimme Shelter, Shelter’s annual series of cultural events is back this autumn to highlight Shelter’s core belief that everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. Sadly more people than ever need access to Shelter’s vital services and every day, up and down the country, Shelter provides invaluable support to those struggling desperately, to keep a roof over their heads or living in terrible and often dangerous conditions.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Shelter
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
Charity number 263710 (England & Wales)