People
Meet the Dockers: Ben Foot and Valentina Floris
Valentina Floris and Ben Foot are the founders of SDNA, a creative studio specialising in producing distinctive digital artworks that transform spaces and engage audiences. From delving into themes such as mythology and anthropology to natural history, and climate change their work is rooted in collaboration.
In this Meet the Dockers interview we spoke with Valentina and Ben about their latest project, Cargoes, part of Royal Docks Originals, a free arts festival taking place in the Royal Docks until 4 October 2025. Cargoes is part of the Docks Open Art Commissions curated by Hive Curates.
Can you tell us about the concept behind Cargoes and what inspired you?
The inspiration comes from the idea of ‘cargo’ not just as goods, but memories, cultures, and personal stories. The installation becomes a vessel that carries the heritage of the Docks alongside the creativity of people living here today.
The Royal Docks is a fascinating area for us, a place of history, stories, and transformation.
Valentina Floris
Tell us about the Cargoes workshops
As part of Royal Albert Wharf: Creative Day on Saturday 4 October, we’re hosting free workshops from 11am - 4pm where people can take part in Cargoes. Participants can make collages, drawings and paintings inspired by the Royal Docks. These will be digitised, animated, and layered with archival material, and will shape the final artwork.
What do you hope community participants take away from being part of the creative process?
We hope participants feel proud seeing their work come alive. It’s about building confidence, celebrating creativity and strengthening the connections to the Royal Docks. We want audiences to experience the layers of history and contemporary life in the Docks. Ideally, they’ll come away with a sense of curiosity about the area and appreciation for the creativity of its people.
Ben Foot, co-founder of SDNA
Are there any unique challenges you anticipate in bringing this community-driven digital project to life?
Co-creating artwork is always a challenge, but that’s part of the excitement. It’s about integrating a range of creative inputs while keeping the final piece visually cohesive.
What does it mean to you that Cargoes is part of Royal Docks Originals?
It’s exciting! Royal Docks Originals celebrates work rooted in local identity, and Cargoes is very much about that. Connecting people, history and place through art.
How do you feel Royal Docks Originals can contribute to building a creative future locally?
By supporting projects that involve local people, Royal Docks Originals helps creativity become part of everyday life. That nurtures talent and inspires future projects.
Sum up Royal Docks Originals in one word
Inspiring.
For more information about Cargoes visit: www.royaldocks.london/whats-on/cargoes
For more information about Royal Albert Wharf: Creative Open Day visit: www.royaldocks.london/whats-on/royal-albert-wharf-creative-open-day
Find out more about SDNA
For more information about SDNA visit: www.movingimage.art
