Shaped by Community
Overview
Culture Within Newham are excited to announce the six projects chosen by our Community Voices Panel for our Shaped by Community commission. Events will begin in September 2024.
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ACTIVATE! – Applecart Arts
Applecart Arts is commissioning a 60-minute touring theatre production, which aims to help young people feel more confident engaging in politics. This project also offers recent University of East London performing arts graduates the chance to start their careers with a socially impactful commission, guided by the Applecart Creative Team.
Learn about ACTIVATE! on their project page, and learn more about Applecart Arts on their website.
Image provided by Jazanne Arts
Homelands – Jazanne Arts
Homelands is a series of storytelling workshops about migration for elders and primary school children.
Using drama, poetry, movement and music participants will share stories about their original homeland, why they left, their journey to the UK, and how Newham has become their new homeland.
Learn about Homelands on their project page, and learn more about Jazanne Arts on their website.
Image provided by Laura Zotova
Nature Builders – Laura Zotova
Nature Builders is an urban forest school providing children with the chance to engage more with their green spaces.
These after school sessions will include well-being activities to improve good mental health, with games and activities to support good physical health.
Children will be introduced to concepts of urban nature, British wildlife and their habitats, and how we can help them survive.
Sessions began on 9 September 2024. Learn more about Nature Builders on their project page, or sign up here.
Newham Community Film Festival – The New Black Film Collective
Newham Community Film Festival will be a free long weekend of films and cultural events in January 2025.
Celebrating the borough's diverse communities of all ages through film, they will provide a platform for local artists and filmmakers alongside established filmmakers.
Learn more about The New Black Film Collective on their website.
Image provided by Immediate Theatre
Newham Youth Comedy Night – Deane Dixon-Foster, Immediate Theatre and Little Ilford Youth Zone
This project aims to empower young people (aged 11-16) to explore different comedic styles, develop skills and create their own performance for family, friends and the wider community.
Guest experts will be invited to deliver specialist workshops and we will take the group to see suitable live comedy.
Learn more about Newham Youth Comedy Night on their project page, or about Immediate Theatre on their website.
Image provided by Newham Poetry Group
Young Legacy – Newham Poetry Group
Young Legacy is a series of poetry sessions for young adults (aged 18-25) led by renowned literary figures including Joelle Taylor, Jess Murrain, and Charlynne Bryan. These mentors will provide invaluable guidance and inspiration, and participants will have the opportunity to see their work published and distributed across all Newham Libraries.
Learn more about Young Legacy on their project page, and learn about Newham Poetry Group on their website.
What is the Shaped by Community commission?
The Shaped by Community commission called for projects that will enrich the creative experience within Newham and provide opportunities for residents to engage in artistic and cultural activity. Our organisation has a strong focus on ensuring that the work we support is shaped by what communities across Newham need and want.
We held an open call to apply for up to £15,000 each for six projects.
To us, ‘Shaped by Community’ means that your community’s wants and needs have guided all levels and stages of the project, including in the decision-making.
Newham is full of creative communities that have rich, cultural experience to share. This commission aims to create space for people to create and be celebrated within this borough that we call home.
Other projects you might be interested in
