The CAMPerVAN is a transportable queer performance, and community event space that can be deployed anywhere in the world to bring the wonder of LGBTQIA+ performance art, film screening, panel discussion & workshop into the public realm.
It was built in March 2016 by Samuel Douek in response to the closure epidemic of queer venues across London following the 2008 recession and the rise in austerity that led to the demise of 25% of LGBTQIA+ establishments in the UK capital.
Since its inception it has been a regular feature at Peckham Festival, hosted several shows at respected art institutions including Tate Modern, König London and Mimosa House, and has completed a 2 week tour of 7 European Cities in September 2017. It is currently in residence at GROW Tottenham.
We are currently applying for funding to renovate the CAMPerVAN to ensure its legacy as a road safe & fit for purpose vehicle.
To get live updates please follow our social media pages.
The CAMPerVAN was born out of Samuel Douek’s Architecture Masters Thesis at the Royal College of Art. It was an exercise in constructing a queer space immune from the threat of regeneration.
Purchased on 21st march 2016, the CAMPerVAN took two months to construct. Design decisions were inspired by documentary research into london's queer clubs, building up a catalogue of architectural features that are common to all successful LGBTQIA+ spaces.
This analysis revealed that all queer spaces are appropriated existing venues that provide a stage and are adaptable to be used for socialisation, entertainment and community workshop.
Hence, an old caravan was appropriated to provide a safe space for live performance and community support.
The CAMPerVAN collective is made up of film director and visual artist Samuel Douek, digital and performance artist Zoe Marden and curator Fiontan Moran.
Over our four year history we have hosted and curated numerous events both with and without the caravan. Each event has invited a number of LGBTQIA+ artists, speakers, writers, creatives and thinkers to take to the stage.
This extended group of artists are part of our wider collective.
Please get in touch if you would like to join!