Part of the Earthly Paradise programme of talks.

Tomorrow is Built Today tells the story of Nubia Way, built in the 1990s by Fusions Jameen, London’s first black housing co-operative in Downham, Lewisham, it was constructed using the principles of Walter Segal and self-builders were offered long-term discounted rents in return for building their homes. Through interviews with the original self-builders, historians, architects and economists, this new documentary from the Architecture Foundation celebrates the legacy of Nubia Way and examines self-building as an act of resistance against the housing discrimination faced by Black British communities.

Following the screening, Tim Oshodi, one of the original self-builders at Nubia Way, will be joined by artist Abel Holsborough for a conversation exploring the connections between Nubia Way and House for Artists, the Barking-based artist residential project where Holsborough lives and which forms the focus of his commission for Earthly Paradise. Together, they will reflect on how housing can support creativity, collective care and shared ways of living.

House for Artists presents a new model for arts participation, fostering community both within the building and across the local neighbourhood. Resident artists are provided with studio space alongside shared responsibility for a public programme of events and activities. Communal gardens, flexible shared spaces and collective facilities encourage collaboration, mutual support and everyday acts of hosting and care.

Bringing together two ambitious housing models from different generations, this conversation considers how architecture, creativity and collective action can help shape more equitable futures.

The event also includes a private view of Earthly Paradise: Radical Living in the UK.

Tim Oshodi was previously a Director of the National Communities Resource Centre which trained up to 100 000 people from low income neighbourhoods on how to achieve their vision of regeneration. He project manages community self-build schemes and continues to campaign and work passionately for social justice.

Abel Holsborough (they/he) is an artist, character, and proud East Londoner. They use photography, performance and writing to explore the un-monumental and question what constitutes useful art. Their practice builds on interests in ‘not-quite’ archives and obscure/local histories which also feeds into their work as the lead miller of the last working windmill in London. They have recently worked with organisations such as Museum of the Home, Grizedale Arts, Create London (A House for Artists), Waltham Forest Council and William Morris Gallery.

Image: Nubia Way build, Tim Oshodi