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On 8-9th April 2017, the Museum of Homelessness launches its first major programme with Tate Exchange at Tate Modern.

With all forms of homelessness increasing, State of the Nation will bring together people who have been homeless and those who haven’t to examine what we can learn from the past, what’s happening today, and how art and creativity can improve things in future. 

As part of Tate Exchange, State of the Nation will occupy the fifth floor of the Switch House and include installations, performance, workshops and talks. A week’s residency at Tate Liverpool will follow in July. All events will be free.

State of the Nation will encourage curiosity, invite debate and bring people together in unexpected ways. The programme includes:
 
Workshops and installations:

Exchanged: Part installation, part visual report, part story-telling space, this collection display of objects and stories from across the UK will offer a snapshot of what’s happening in hostels, day centres, social housing, on the streets and in people’s lives. Objects will be donated from a wide mix of sources including homelessness organisations, activists, and people experiencing homelessness. The stories will be performed by formerly homeless actors, directed by Tony McBride.

A Soldier's Story: An installation by artist David Tovey that shares the stories of former military personnel who have experienced homelessness. Ex-service personnel account for one in ten rough sleepers across the UK. 

State of the Nation News: Artists and designers from the designer collective Evening Class will produce graphics and responses over the weekend.

Talks: State of the Nation – Speakers from community organisations, politicians, artists and journalists will discuss the major issues for homelessness in 2017.

Confirmed speakers include: Charlotte Cramer and Scarlett Montanaro (Crack and Cider), James Murray (Deputy Mayor, Housing), Lorraine McGrath (Simon Scotland), Rick Henderson (Homeless Link), Antonia Watson (The Wallich) Matt Peacock (Streetwise Opera), Beth Knowles (Manchester City Council) Focus E-15 and David Tovey

Performances: Music to Inspire: Join the Choir with No Name and musicians from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the West London Day Centre for an afternoon of singing and new music

Man on Bench: Celebrate the beauty of rubbish, second chances, and the power of art in this fashion show created by David Tovey from materials and items of old clothing thrown away on London’s streets.

About the Museum of Homelessness

The Museum of Homelessness is the first of its kind in the UK and is being developed by people from all walks of life, including those who have been homeless. Our community explores the art, history and culture of homelessness to make a difference for homeless people today. We make the invisible visible through collecting, research, events and exhibitions. We do not yet have a building, so we are working with partners to produce our public programme.

www.museumofhomelessness.org