COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME
The community engagement programme for INSTAMATIC 6000 was developed as part of the wider public art strategy for Harrow View East, on the site of the former Kodak factory in Harrow.
Curated by FrancisKnight and delivered in collaboration with Harrow Arts Centre, the programme enabled Tom Pearman to develop his artistic research through direct engagement with local communities, students, emerging artists and former Kodak employees. Workshops explored cameras, photographic technology and the history of the Harrow factory, while providing opportunities for participants to respond to and discuss the developing artwork proposals.
Workshops
An initial artist-led workshop took place at Harrow Arts Centre in August 2024, aimed at emerging artists and creatives interested in exploring approaches to public art.
A more extensive programme followed between May and September 2025. Tom presented the developing designs for Harrow View East and led creative activities exploring the form, components and visual language of cameras. These sessions provided opportunities for open consultation and experimentation, with participants’ responses contributing to the continuing development of the artworks.
All events were free to encourage broad participation.
4 May 2025 — Abstract Camera
A creative workshop for artists and creatives held at Harrow Arts Centre.
2 June 2025 — Cardboard Camera
A workshop for young adults held at Harrow College, Weald Campus.
“Really enjoyed seeing the old Kodak cameras and learning a bit about the history. Creating my own artwork and seeing everyone else’s was inspirational. Tom was a great workshop lead.”
— Student, Harrow College
Artist mentoring
Alongside the workshops, an early-career artist mentoring opportunity was offered as part of the programme. Local artist Eleanor Smith took part in a tailored series of six sessions with Tom focusing on professional development and the presentation of an emerging artistic practice.
The sessions included the development of Eleanor’s website, artist statement, biography and documentation of her work, alongside wider discussion about working professionally as an artist. The mentoring has continued through a series of one-to-one and online meetings.
“I value both the prospect of learning and improving my art and its impact on the community. I also value the prospect of receiving insight from someone on what it actually means to work professionally in the art industry.”
— Eleanor Smith
Former Kodak employees
Tom’s final artist workshop took place in July 2025 at Headstone Manor & Museum and brought together former employees of the Kodak Harrow factory.
Participants were invited to share photographs, memories and personal experiences of working at the site. This material became an important part of Tom’s research, with selected photographs and stories informing the development of the wall-mounted vitreous enamel artworks proposed for Harrow View East.
The workshop also established direct connections with former employees who held extensive personal archives of the factory, its buildings, equipment and workforce.
“Hi Tom, I documented the Kodak Harrow Site, people, buildings and equipment during the last week of production. I have a file containing low-res images of all the pictures I took. If you think any may be useful to your project, please let me know and I can supply high resolution versions.”
— Dr Tony Kaye ASIS FRPS
Cardboard cameras created by students at Harrow College, Weald Campus.
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A poster was designed by Tom Pearman for the college to showcase the students’ cameras
arrow College, Weald Campus., Weald Campus.
4th May 2025 – Abstract Camera a creative workshop for artists and creatives held at Harrow Arts Centre.
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