The Floating Cinema is an old work boat re-imagined into a cinema for intimate on-board film screenings, larger outdoor film events and other film-related activities curated by artists Nina Pope and Karen Guthrie (known collectively as Somewhere). The structure navigated the waterways of the five Olympic host boroughs during the summer of 2011 and during that time events were held in 26 venues and included screenings of more than 60 filmmakers, 10 bespoke tours, and was visited by over 75,000 people.

The existing boat was 2m wide by 16m long with two enclosed cabins at either end, a 4m long glass-fronted interior, and a 3.5m length open to the elements. The boat has an engine allowing the cinema to move around the canals autonomously.

This project formed part of CREATE festival 2011 and was the latest commission in UP Projects’ Portavilion programme, an ongoing project that explores the possibilities for temporary, large-scale public art. Portavilion 2011 was commissioned by Olympic Delivery Authority as part of its Arts and Cultural strategy and funded by Arts Council England. It is an important strand of the cultural participation programme in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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