LONDON.- NOW Gallery, a new public space for contemporary art and design, is set to launch in the Greenwich Peninsula on 17 September 2014. Designed by architects Marks Barfield, the gallery is a permanent, free public space, and will programme a revolving series of unique three-month commissions from established and emerging artists, designers and creatives.

Coinciding with the London Design Festival, the first NOW Commission celebrates design and has been awarded to Simon Heijdens, chosen from a shortlist of Ab Rogers, NL Atelier, and Studio Roso. Heijdens will present an immersive installation and site-specific commission in two parts from 17 September to 19 December 2014.

Conceived as part of the on-going regeneration of the area, which includes landscaping by Tom Dixon and public art commissions by Futurecity, NOW Gallery sits within a building designed by Marks Barfield moments from the O2 and North Greenwich station. The gallery is a 7m tall, glass-fronted public space, connected by an aluminium-clad canopy to a specially-purposed café, restaurant and champagne bar next door. With dance, film, walks, and talks, NOW Gallery will form a hub for the large number of cultural events set to transform the area.

Jemima Burrill, NOW Gallery curator, said: “Our aim is to have installations not yet dreamed of with an expandable theme. The space is a unique canvas for artists, sculptors, fashion designers, graphic artists and creatives to conjure up exhibits that are playful, inspiring and that bring alive our unconventional gallery space. Thinking out of the box and filling the space in an alternative way is what we are looking for in future commissions.”