A new creative initiative is set to transform the heart of the City of London when Seed130, a temporary gallery space, opens its doors at 130 Fenchurch Street next week on 17 March.
Developed as a meanwhile activation programme, Seed130 serves as a testing ground for ideas that will inform future cultural aspects of the site’s redevelopment, led by developer CO–RE for Aviva Investors with a design team including WilkinsonEyre and Arup.
Seed130 transforms a former retail unit into a hub of artistic and environmental exploration, hosting a dynamic 10-month programme of exhibitions, events, performances and discussions, running until December 2025. The initiative is curated by Futurecity, a cultural placemaking agency working alongside a network of artists, cultural institutions and community partners.
A Space for Ideas
More than a gallery, Seed130 is a catalyst for creative dialogue and an incubator of new concepts, fostering connections between artists, researchers, designers and scientists. The space will feature visual art exhibitions alongside an engaging events programme, addressing themes of environmental awareness, ESG and sustainable futures. The gallery will feature visual arts and multimedia exhibitions from individual artists as well as cultural, arts and charity organisations.
To maximise its social impact, Seed130 will run events—including talks, panel discussions, performances, and learning initiatives for young people and schools— alongside the exhibitions. The events will be delivered in collaboration with key partners Invisible Dust and the Eastern City Business Improvement District. Invisible Dust is an art, science and climate organisation exploring green futures internationally by bringing together artists, scientists and thinkers in exhibitions and events. Eastern City bring extensive knowledge and programming within the area as well as an incredible network of local and adjacent partners.
Launch Exhibition by Mat Collishaw
Seed130 opens with two thought-provoking works by renowned contemporary artist Mat Collishaw: Move 37: Aftermaths and Alluvion.
Move 37 explores the impact of AI, genetic engineering and industrial waste on marine ecosystems, highlighting the paradox of AI’s environmental potential versus its resource demands.
Aftermaths presents a dystopian underwater world shaped by pollution and synthetic biology. Mutated creatures and decaying infrastructure reclaimed by marine organisms reflect the unintended consequences of unchecked human innovation. Set to Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, it offers a haunting meditation on nature’s resilience.
Alluvion blends AI-generated imagery with 17th-century still life traditions, depicting surreal flower-insect hybrids. This series examines the intersection of evolution and synthetic biology, raising ethical questions about human intervention in natural processes, and serves as a modern memento mori, reminding viewers of life’s fragility.
A Vision for the Future
Seed130 aims to envision a positive future by facilitating dialogue and building connections across industries and disciplines. The space will feature contributions from individual artists, cultural institutions, grassroots organisations and educational bodies across London, engaging local and wider communities.
The design programme for 130 Fenchurch Street was led by Wilkinson Eyre and DP9. Ongoing consultation and communications for Seed130 are supported by Kanda in partnership with Futurecity.
Seed130 is an invitation to imagine, experiment, and reimagine. Join us in this journey of discovery and immersion as we explore new creative horizons for a greener future.
