Hidden Art turns 20 in 2009 – that’s two decades of support for designer-makers. Chief Executive Dieneke Ferguson established Mazorca in 1989 as a sole trader, in an effort to set up a global platform for Hackney’s creative talent. 20 years on, Hidden Art offer a wide array of designer-maker opportunities, running from an office in Shoreditch with 12 staff. Considering Hidden Art’s humble beginnings, and our steadfast commitment to providing the best support we can, what has been achieved over the last 20 years is nothing short of astounding. This would not have been possible without the financial support we receive from our funders. Mazorca Projects Ltd now trades as Hidden Art, remaining a not-for-profit organisation which supports designers and designer-makers.
In 1993 the Hackney Contemporaries were set up, consisting of 15 talented Hackney-based designer-makers. This led to the launch of the Hidden Art of Hackney Open Studios in 1994, featuring 43 local designer-makers and attracting 1,500 visitors to the event, which was the forerunner to ‘Hidden Art Open Studios’. From this solid start, and with the Open Studios developing a bigger following year on year, in 1995 we teamed up with the Geffrye Museum for our first appearance at the first ever 100% Design. From 1996 on we have had solo stands at the show, giving opportunities to designer-makers to talk to the bigger players in industry.
Hosted by Hackney Council, we had our first online presence in 1998. By 2001 the Hidden Art website was developed and took our support initiatives online, bringing our support programme to a wider audience. In 2000, we took this audience growth to a new level, exhibiting at the Milan Furniture Fair. Along with Open Studios, 100% Design, other showcasing opportunities and our online shop (www.hiddenartshop.com), Hidden Art continues to show in Milan, at SaloneSatellite, giving our members the best opportunities to show they are the brightest talents.
As we celebrate Hidden Art’s 20th birthday, we aim to take this success story forward for UK designer-makers, starting with the Annual Awards, held on February 26, and moving on through another busy showcasing and development programme.