Children’s Board
Photography by Ilyas Ayub at The Sound Hive Launch Event, Beckton Globe Library
Overview
In early 2024 Culture Within Newham contacted local primary schools because we wanted to make a Children’s Board. The Children’s Board gives children the chance to decide what creative and fun things happen in Newham. Our vision? Helping children get involved in exciting events near where they live, and supporting Newham’s future artists and creative leaders!
We were so excited that New City, Rosetta and Gallions Primary Schools wanted to join our project. Eighteen children signed up to join the Board, and the process began…
First, we needed to know what they would like to make an artwork about. The ‘themes’ for the artwork were gathered at school fairs just before the Summer holidays (pictured).
We put boards up in the playground asking questions like:
· What is important to you?
· What do you care about?
· What would you change in the world?
Children at the primary schools came up with some really exciting themes! Turns out, they wanted artworks about:
· Connecting with friends, family and pets
· Improving the environment, nature, and issues such as littering, and
· Creating more access for all children to fun and new experiences.
“We got to decide which artists and we had to vote because it was all democratic. It was tricky to choose the artwork because they were all really good!
”
Two Ricebox Studio members run a workshop for Children’s Board members
A tough decision
During the Summer, Culture Within Newham found artists who wanted to present their artwork ideas to our new Children’s Board. There was a lot of interest, but only enough space for three groups of artists to show their artwork ideas.
In September, at the first official meeting at Gallions Primary School, the Children’s Board had a very tough choice to make.
We asked them to view the presentations, ask the artists questions, talk about what they liked or didn’t like, and vote for the winner who would work with them to make an artwork that everyone in Newham could enjoy.
After a tense coloured lolly stick vote, the winner was announced – Ricebox Studio with their interactive sound table!
Later that term, Ricebox Studio visited each school to record sounds for the table and collect ideas about what it would sound and look like. It was important that the finished artwork matched the children’s suggested theme. In the end, the artwork was named ‘The Sound Hive,’ and it explores what’s good and bad for our environment by following the path of a bee.
The Sound Hive was launched at Beckton Globe Library in April 2025, and over 100 people came to see it! The Sound Hive then went ’on tour’, visiting places like Newham Citizens Science Fair and libraries throughout Newham.
We really hope you get to see it!
The Sound Hive
Photography by Ilyas Ayub
The Sound Hive is an interactive sound and light installation inspired by nature. The artwork tells the adventures of one very special bee, and uses a ‘traffic light system’ to encourage users to think about recycling and sustainability. The Sound Hive captures Newham’s soundscape from the perspective of our youngest residents.
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