Zoë Cave appointed chief curator of London’s Open House Festival
Zoë Cave, Chief Curator of London’s Open House Festival. Photo: Phineas Harper
Open City appoints Zoë Cave as the incoming chief curator of London’s most inclusive celebration of the built environment, Open House Festival.
Open City, the educational charity behind London’s celebrated Open House Festival has annouced the appointment of curator Zoë Cave to lead the festival into its 30th year.
Cave, who in 2020 was named a rising star by the RIBA Journal in recognition of her innovative work finding ways to keep London’s architecture open and accessible during the pandemic, has a background in social policy and research.
Featuring everything from 10 Downing Street to community gardens, the London Open House Festival is the UK’s most inclusive celebration of special buildings and places with over 1,000 events taking place across more than 700 sites in all 33 London Boroughs. In her new role, Cave will now lead the dedicated curatorial team of staff, volunteers and contributors who collectively put the festival together each year.
Phineas Harper, chief exectutive of Open City said: ‘Open City is in a period of adventurous change and growth. As we launch into our 30th anniversary year with some amazing new partners and projects, I could not be more thrilled that Zoë Cave will be leading our largest event as chief curator of Open House Festival. Zoë brings a wealth of experience, passion and an inclusive, energetic curatorial vision that I am confident will transform the festival for years to come. Watch this space, London, Zoë has big plans.’
Zoë Cave said: ‘In it's 30th year, Open House has grown to be one of the most loved, well-known and largest festivals of its kind. Every year for three decades Londoners have opened their doors for other Londoners to explore their urban realm, with thousands of volunteers donating their time and energy in order to achieve this remarkable feat. I'm incredibly proud to be appointed this new role as chief curator and can't wait to harness all that has been achieved over the last 30 years to grow the festival, involving more neighbourhoods, places and people. I want Open House to be the festival that enables people to create a deeper connection with their neighbourhood and borough and change perceptions and understandings of all corners of the city.’