A new programme has launched in Barking and Dagenham to bring art and culture into social care services in the region after New Town Culture launched at Barking Town Hall earlier this week.
The programme has been funded by the London Borough of Culture’s Impact Awards and has been supported by the Mayor of London, the Serpentine Galleries and the Foundling Museum. It is set to run for the next three years.
The project will bring together social workers and artists, to collaborate on a groundbreaking initiative that will aim to mix cultural activity with core social care practice.
New Town Culture will respond to the incredible stories, knowledge and skills of the residents of Barking and Dagenham to deliver a programme of workshops, exhibitions, radio broadcasts, live performances and courses targeted to people using social care services in our borough.
The aim is to unlock the value of art and culture for the whole of the community.
The launch event involved speeches from a whole host of guests, including the Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons. as well as members of Barking and Dagenham Council, Yana Peel – CEO of the Serpentine Galleries and Caro Howell – Director of the Founding Museum.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “I am delighted to see New Town Culture launch in our borough. I cannot overstate what a fantastic opportunity this is when it comes to engaging and empowering some of the most vulnerable people in Barking and Dagenham through the arts.
“I hope this project will change lives through the power of art, and it is really exciting to get a chance to work so closely with these artistic institutions”
