Synopsis

Black and white footage of the opening party for the THAP Big Show at Whitechapel Gallery, including a Black steel drum group, photography displays, posters for sale, food and drink, fairground amusements and crafts for children. The camera follows the crowds around the room as people occasionally smile and wave at the camera.

The Tower Hamlets Arts Project (THAP) was formed in 1976 out of protest to the Thames Television ‘Eyesights’ scheme which commissioned professional artists to create posters for display in the borough, rather than investing in local arts projects. A crowded public meeting in February 1975 called for an alternative, bolder plan, bringing together existing and fledgling arts activities under a coordinating body to be called the Tower Hamlets Arts Project (THAP). The purpose was to create opportunities for everyone to participate in community art. THAP celebrated their achievements with a month-long ‘Big Show’ at the Whitechapel Art Gallery.