In conversation with Megan Piper
“Critical to the original concept of The Line was bringing existing works of art outdoors, so that they can be experienced for free.”
- Megan Piper
Image: Megan Piper
Megan Piper is the co-founder and Director of The Line, a public art project in east London, established in 2015. Prior to setting up The Line, she had a gallery in London’s Fitzrovia, where her exhibition programme focused on rediscovering and re-evaluating artists whose careers started in the 1960s and 70s.
Can you share the story of how your journey into the world of art began?
I was lucky to spend a lot of time in museums and galleries growing up and my first job out of university was at Momart, the fine art handler, where I looked after client accounts including White Cube, Gagosian and the Serpentine. I left Momart to set up my own gallery, The Piper Gallery, which opened in Fitzrovia in 2012. The exhibition programme focused on rediscovering and re-evaluating artists whose careers started in the 1960s and 70s. I started setting up The Line with the late regeneration expert, Clive Dutton in 2013 and we opened to the public in 2015.
According to you, what does it entail to be a leader in today's art industry?
An ability to listen is more important than ever, passion is critical to bringing people on a journey with you, and a commitment to inclusion, equity, equality and diversity must underpin leadership in all industries.
The Line has made a profound impact on how art is experienced in our city. Can you provide insights into the development process behind The Line?
Clive was Executive Director of Regeneration and Inward Investment at Newham Council when I met him. He opened my eyes to the extraordinary opportunity within Newham to create connections – to connect people and places – using contemporary art to create a journey between the major sites of regeneration within the borough. Critical to the original concept of The Line was bringing existing works of art outdoors, so that they can be experienced for free. We crowdfunded to initiate The Line and established the project through good will, determination and the generous support of a large number of local stakeholders and patrons (individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate supporters). The Line’s route follows the waterways and the line of the Greenwich Meridian, connecting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. The waterways provide a contemplative space, away from heavily trafficked roads, and the impact of exploring art next to water was central to our thinking in establishing the project.
When visitors explore The Line, what kind of experience do you aim for them to have?
We often reflect on the impact of unexpected encounters with art – creating an environment where people can discover art outside of a gallery context, on their own terms – whilst walking the dog or commuting to school. I hope that The Line surprises people. With the changing weather, seasons, tides – as well as The Line’s dynamic exhibition programme, which means that new works are regularly installed – every visit is different, which I hope will encourage people to return.
What aspect of your work poses the greatest challenge for you?
Engaging audiences who don’t currently visit The Line and may not feel that it’s for them is both a challenge and an opportunity. Our education programme provides an outdoor classroom for cross-curricular learning and our health and wellbeing programme seeks to connect with people who live locally, who would benefit from spending time with art in nature. Audience development is impossible without fundraising, which will always be a challenge, particularly fundraising for core (running) costs. Staff, insurance, maintenance etc aren’t sexy things for funders to support but they are essential to the continued running of the charity. We have recently launched a Friends of The Line programme (for a donation of £5 per month) and this is an accessible way for individuals to support our work. [Click here to support].
Image: Anthony Gormley. The Line. Photo credit Emily Lovell
Throughout your career, what have been the most fulfilling and rewarding moments you've experienced?
There have been big and small moments, ranging from the procession we realised last year that included around 400 primary school children wearing masks they had created in workshops inspired by the work of Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei Clottey (with a simultaneous procession in Accra) to witnessing the enjoyment people derive from our wellbeing walks.
What is the most valuable advice you have ever received that has influenced your journey?
Someone who provided a lot of support to me when I was setting up The Line said ‘it will be a difficult birth but a beautiful baby!’ – the early years of The Line were so unbelievably hard and I often thought back to his comment and the idea that it would be worth it in the end. I don’t think anyone ever said to me ‘don’t give up’ but, with hindsight, that would be advice I might give to others. Starting a project (commercial or charitable) is riddled with challenges that will test your determination and commitment. If you have the conviction to continue, that’s half the battle.
As we are always excited to discover new talent, can you recommend three artists whom you believe our readers should keep an eye on this year?
I was excited to discover the work of Kat Anderson, Cora Sehgal-Cuthbert and Ufuoma Essi as a judge of the inaugural East London Art Prize earlier this year. They are definitely artists to keep an eye on!
For a young person aspiring to enter the art industry, do you have any valuable tips or advice to offer?
Keep in touch. This applies to both your peers and people you meet. Establishing a network of people you have met IRL (as well as online) is invaluable.
The Line has recently announced its new summer programme for 2023. What exciting offerings or events should we be eagerly anticipating?
September will be a particularly busy month for us – we will be hosting two performances on 17th as well as a family-friendly workshop at the IFS Cloud Cable Car terminal at Greenwich Peninsula on the 23rd September, as part of Totally Thames. Our Youth Guides will be on the route every weekend from 15th July to the end of September and are a brilliant source of information about our programme. We also offer free guided art tours every Saturday, starting at 11am in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Booking is essential. [Click here to book].
Image: Alex Chinneck, The Line. Photo credit Chris Tubbs
Beyond the professional realm, who is Megan Piper as an individual outside of the 'office'?
I have a nicely naughty, endlessly curious five-year-old called Jude. I love the adventures we go on together, which can range from fossil-hunting in Folkestone to puffin-spotting on Lundy. I also really love making stuff with him. I enjoy seeing exhibitions, going to the theatre and seeing films at the cinema. I can always tell whether I’ve got a work / life balance by how much time I have for these, as well as how long it takes me to read a book.
What aspects of London do you cherish and love the most?
That you can never know everything that’s going on and there is always more to explore…
Website: the-line.org
Instagram: @TheLineLondon
Twitter: @TheLineLondon
Facebook: The Line London
