The London Borough of Newham and University of East London (UEL) officially launched their exciting cultural collaboration yesterday (28th September) at the Council’s flagship Stratford Youth Zone.
Showcasing the artistic and creative talents of young people from Newham’s Youth Empowerment Service and students from UEL’s School of Arts and Creative Industries (ACI), the launch event included music and dance on a street stage and guest performances from UEL Musical Theatre, Tommy Featherstone and other artists.
Located in the heart of Newham’s Cultural Quarter, the collaboration will inject £733,000-a-year investment to support creative and performing arts opportunities for young people in Newham and marks a pioneering strategic partnership to nurture young and emerging talent from across the borough.
Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, said, “Led by students and staff from our School of Arts and Creative Industries and young people from the Youth Empowerment Services, we have had a first glimpse of what this exciting and pioneering programme will offer tonight.
“Collectively, we are revitalising the heart of Stratford’s Cultural Quarter. We will be working with local and global performing arts organisations, attracting new talent across the University’s incredible network in the creative industries space including East London Dance, the V&A East, Rosetta Arts, Royal Docks Soho Theatre, Lyric Theatre, the National Maritime Museum, and more.
“Our vision for everyone that studies, works and lives in Newham, is to ensure they thrive as future cultural leaders, advocates and influencers of the arts, diversifying the amazing talent pipeline we have here in Newham today. Together, we are driving innovation in the arts sector and beyond, and of course making sure our young peoples’ voices are heard and supported to achieve their ambitions, their dreams and their aspirations.”
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said, “Our Youth Zones stand as testament to Newham's unwavering commitment to our young people. They are havens of growth, incubators of potential and platforms for empowerment.
Our flagship Stratford Youth Zone and collaboration with the University of East London is an evolution of this vital work. We are injecting a creative spirit into our programmes by putting arts and cultural at the heart of our mission. As we mobilise for our Borough of Culture 2025 bid, this collaboration shows that Newham is the heart of London’s culture.”
Auksa Bagdonaite, Stratford Youth Zone member said, “Stratford Youth Zone feels like home. It is so great to get involved in activities and art and dance projects. The partnership with the University of East London is exciting and I can’t wait to see what new activities it brings.”
UEL performing arts student Francesca Redighieri said, “It has been a great pleasure to represent the University by performing and I hope this space will inspire younger people. The partnership is very exciting, it is going to be super useful to students and open new paths. It will enable us all to get true opportunities in the industry.”
Other performances included the UEL Choir, student bands, young talent from Stratford Youth Zone, and an ‘interactive jam’ session by students from UEL’s Dance Social; alongside a ‘living window’ displaying creations by UEL fashion students, DJ sets and street food market.