What we're working on
Learn more about the commissions and projects that make up our cultural programme for Newham.
Newham Poetry Prize
The Newham Poetry Prize is a newly established competition for those who live, study or work in Newham. Encouraging aspiring and seasoned writers alike to submit a single authored poem that references the borough.
Art in the Park
Custom House Bookshop is hosting four events over the Easter Holidays in Central Park, East Ham. Art in the Park is one of Culture Within Newham’s Micro-Commissions.
ESOL Skills Share Conversation Café
Skills Share, ESOL Conversation Café, is an 8-week program where talented locals can showcase their skills—from henna design to music—while practicing English in a friendly, social setting.
The Well Community Writing Group
Newham residents are welcome to join the creative writing group at The Well, funded as part of Culture Within Newham’s Micro-Commissioning programme. Two sessions plus a celebration event will be led by local writer Luan Goldie.
Micro-Commissions
Meet the projects chosen by our Community Voices Panel to develop Micro-Commissions for Newham. Events begin in March 2025.
Community Producers
Meet the members of our local community who have decided to produce events with support from Culture Within Newham.
East London Creative Communities
Meet the four artists commissioned by Culture Within Newham as part of the East London Creative Communities project to develop new public artworks for our local areas
The Sound Hive
The Sound Hive is an interactive sound and light installation inspired by nature, which was designed by Ricebox Studio in collaboration with primary school-aged children from Newham.
Wonderful Women of Newham: Walking Tours
Take a stroll through Newham and learn about the wonderful women who helped to shape our local community.
Plaistow Remixed
Plaistow Remixed is 30-metre long mural on the fence around Tunmarsh School. This collaborative piece from Tunmarsh students and Matt Ponting celebrates the local area.
PictureEast Film Festival
PictureEast is a free weekend of films and cultural events celebrating the borough’s diverse communities of all ages, providing a platform for local artists and filmmakers.
Homelands
Homelands is an intergenerational, reminiscence storytelling project on the theme of migration run by Jazanne Arts. The project brings together older people aged 60+ and primary school children and will end with an interactive exhibition.
Nature Builders
Nature Builders is an urban forest school based in Forest Gate. The sessions help children to learn about “green culture” through exploring local nature, British wildlife and their habitats, why we need them and how we can help them survive.
Newham Youth Comedy Night
An introduction to comedy... These weekly workshops offer young people aged 11-16 the chance to explore different styles of comedy, and discover not only what makes you laugh, but how you can make others laugh too.
Young Legacy
Newham Poetry Group is hosting 10 poetry sessions where 18-25 year-olds are invited to dive into poetry, creative writing, spoken word, and storytelling.
Shaped by Community
Meet the projects chosen by our Community Voices Panel for the Shaped by Community commission. Events begin in September 2024.
Summer of Wellbeing: Speaker Box Street Party
Experience the ultimate fusion of music, dance, and fun with the Speaker Box Street Party crew! Join us for an hour-and-a-half of pure entertainment at three locations in Newham
Summer of Wellbeing: Plashet Park Circus Fun Day
At this free family-friendly event, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in circus arts workshops and experience a variety of circus performances.