Channel is Somerset House’s new curated online space for art, ideas and the artistic process.
1. What is the exhibition about?
A Riot In Three Acts is a large-scale installation using the tropes and techniques of cinema, in the form of an expansive film set and cinematic score, to consider riots and civil uprisings that have occurred in response to systemic injustice experienced by marginalised communities. The exhibition provides a stage for the complex narratives that accompany such collective actions directed against the state, often spurred by racist policing, social deprivation, youth disenfranchisement and anti-war sentiment.
Researched and developed at Somerset House Studios over the course of two years, the work evolves from Perretta’s experience as a young person during the London Riots in 2011, initially a response to police violence, which became a national uprising brought on by an age of endless austerity.
2. Where is it?
New Wing via Lancaster Place, off Waterloo Bridge.
3. How long is it on for?
The exhibition opens to the public from 27 September to 10 November.
4. Is this exhibition related to the recent summer riots (August 2024)?
No, this exhibition explores the narratives of our urban spaces and the social inequality and racial violence that shape them. It evolves from Imran's own experience as a young man during the London Riots in 2011, but the exhibition is not focused on the riots itself. However, there is content guidance due to the nature of the topics explored.
5. Is there any guidance for the exhibition or any other access concerns?
This exhibition and its description include references to rioting, racism and police brutality. Children under 16 should always be accompanied by an adult.
We’re sensitive to the fact that while this subject matter is important to explore, it may be triggering for some audiences. Therefore, our visitor experience staff will be on hand to advise visitors of support opportunities and can also direct you towards a decompression room that is available on site for any audience members who may feel triggered by the work.
For further support, we’d also like to highlight the following resources:
Healing Justice: https://healingjusticeldn.org
Resist and Renew: https://resistrenew.com
Radical Therapist Network: https://www.radicaltherapistnetwork.com
The Black, African and Asian Network (BAATN): https://www.baatn.org.uk
6. Are there any resources / literature you suggest for people who may need additional support or have been affected by the topics of the exhibition?
For further support, we’d also like to highlight the following resources:
- Healing Justice https://healingjusticeldn.org/
- Resist and Renew https://resistrenew.com/
- Radical Therapist Network: https://www.radicaltherapistnetwork.com/
- The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network: https://www.baatn.org.uk/
7. Do I have to book tickets for the exhibition in advance?
It is advised to book a slot in advance but it’s not necessary. The exhibition is free but as a charity we operate a Pay What You Can policy should attendees wish to contribute. Please consider donating to support the work of artists and cultural innovators.
The score you hear in the show, A Requiem for the Dispossessed, will be performed live by the Manchester Camerata quartet 8 times during the run. You will need to book for this, and tickets are £8 or £10.
There is also a programme of talks, which are free or Pay What You Can. More information can be found here: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/imran-perretta-a-riot-in-three-acts/live-programme
8. What does Pay What You Can mean?
We don't want price to be a barrier for people to see the exhibition, so visitors are encouraged to pay what they can. Your contribution helps Somerset House to stage an exciting programme of exhibitions and events, creating memorable experiences for everyone.
9. Is Imran Perretta still an artist resident at Somerset House Studios?
Yes, Imran has been a member of the Somerset House Studios creative community since 2017, in which time he has engaged in various projects. In 2018, he curated The Listening Party, hosting events on the influences of sonic and visual cultures on British South-Asian artists. Perretta’s ongoing audiovisual collaboration with Paul Purgas, AMRA, debuted at Assembly in 2018, with the duo also presenting new work for Art Night 2021.
Perretta’s R&D project Migrant Agency & The Moving Image as part of a Somerset House Studios and King’s College London partnership informed 2018’s commission 15 Days for the Jerwood/FVU Award, a film examining the dehumanisation of refugees in Calais. Imran also presented video work DESH at group exhibition Bonds in the Studios’ G31 project space, and recently participated in The Artists’ Fair, on a panel discussing the challenges of balancing parenthood and artistic practice.
10. Do you have any relaxed sessions as part of this exhibition?
We are hosting two relaxed sessions. This is for anyone who would like to explore the exhibition in a calm and comfortable environment, including people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/imran-perretta-a-riot-in-three-acts/relaxed-sessions
- Fri 18 Oct 10am-12pm
- Sat 2 Nov 6pm-8pm
11. What is a relaxed session?
Relaxed sessions are to enable visitors with additional needs such as sensory processing disorders to experience an exhibition, in a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment. Lighting levels are often raised, loud noises/AV lowered, and the capacity reduced by 50% or more.
12. What is Somerset House Studios?
Somerset House Studios is a space for experimentation in the centre of London connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. The Studios supports artists across disciplines to push bold ideas, engage with urgent issues and experiment with new technologies.
At the heart of Somerset House, the home of cultural innovators, up to 70 artists are resident at any one time for a period of between one and seven years, with several shorter-term national and international residency programmes running alongside.
The Studios develops ambitious cross-disciplinary projects and creative collaborations on a range of scales, and powers Channel, Somerset House’s online space for art, ideas and the artistic process.
13. Do you have live events during the run of the exhibition?
Yes, from 27 September, there are a series of events including eight intimate live performances of Imran Perretta’s original score for a string quartet, A Requiem for the Dispossessed, performed by the Manchester Camerata orchestra, within the installation.
Details of these, and how you can book, can be found on our website here, but please note there are limited ticket availabilities.
These events are designed to facilitate genuine dialogue where participants can speak openly and honestly. We ask all attendees to be respectful and open-minded, with a willingness to learn from others. Above all, we want to ensure it is a safe, positive and inclusive space that is free from harassment and/or discrimination.
14. What is a Requiem for the Dispossessed?
A Requiem for the Dispossessed is an original score written by Imran Perretta, and co-commissioned by Somerset House Studios and the Manchester Camerata. It is performance and recorded by the Manchester Camerata orchestra and played on loop within the installation. Performance duration is approximately 45 minutes.
A Requiem for the Dispossessed, will be performed live by the Manchester Camerata quartet 4 times during the run. You will need to book for this, and tickets are £8 or £10.
Tickets and further information can be found here. Please note, visitors with disabilities may bring a companion free of charge. Disabled companion tickets should only be booked alongside a paid ticket.
15. Why is there a two-limit ticket capacity on your talk events?
All events and performances take place within the installation itself, so the capacity is small.
16. Is there a welfare space available if I feel overwhelmed / upset by the installation?
We appreciate that the themes and topics discussed in this exhibition can be triggering for some audiences. If at any point you need some space, or want to take a breather, there is a dedicated welfare space in G20. Our visitor experience colleagues will be on hand to direct you to this space.
17. Is there filming allowed in space?
Yes
18. Can you record the sound?
If capturing part of the show, to post on social media for example, this is fine. The sound work is the copyright of the artist however, so recording of the full score is not permitted.
19. Is the music available to hear or buy anywhere else?
Sadly not but it may be released publicly at a later date.