Our Story
Cult to Culture is an independent collective working to document, share and celebrate subculture through moving image, photography, text and artistic collaboration.
As the project grows, Cult to Culture continues to expand both its archive and its cultural reach. In February, a Cult to Culture photograph was loaned to the Palais de Tokyo for display as part of one of their events. More recently, Raindance was namechecked on the national stage at the National Theatre, spoken by Clive Owen in Daniel Eldridge’s play End.
From Paris to the National Theatre in London, rave culture is more visible - and more relevant - than ever.
Through images, collaborations and essays, Cult to Culture documents real lives and lived experiences, celebrating self-expression, energy and passion from within the scene and beyond - telling stories best told by those who were there.
Cult to Culture launched in 2018 with a three-month exhibition at the Lomography Gallery in London’s Soho. Curated by promoter Richard Raindance, graphic artist Ciaran O’Shea, and Lomography’s Holly Buckle, the residency featured unseen photographs, original flyers and artwork from the early days of rave, alongside moving image works and a pop-up record shop.
The closing celebration marked the launch of Issue 1, the first Cult to Culture publication - documenting the UK rave scene from 1988–2018 - released as 88 hand-stamped, numbered and signed copies. Two further issues have since followed, created in collaboration with renowned rave scene artist Pez.
NUTTA, Essex
What we do
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Archive
CULTURAL PRESERVATION
A growing archive of photography, flyers, print artwork and moving image, documenting UK rave culture from 1989 onwards - preserving the people, places and energy that shaped the scene. -
C2C Press
PRINT PUBLISHING
Independent, self-published books and magazines exploring rave culture through photography and design. Three issues released to date, including dedicated editions on rave imagery and flyer art. -
Exhibitions
CURATED EXPERIENCES
Curated exhibitions bringing the archive into physical space. Our first took place at the Lomography Gallery, with further exhibitions and collaborations planned.
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Events
MUSIC & COMMUNITY
Cult to Culture steps onto the dancefloor - curating spaces, playing music and embedding the project within parties that celebrate past, present and future rave culture.