In Summer 2020, UP Projects worked with the London Borough of Newham to curate and produce a series of eight community broadcasts that explored the role creativity can play during challenging times, such as those experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. From June to August 2020, the Newham Unlocked Community Broadcasts shone a light on Newham’s creative communities and created a virtual stage for all to come together through what they make.
Every day across Newham, people are using their imagination and skills to get through these incredibly challenging times. In a time of social distancing, uncertainty and grief, creativity can offer relief, connections and contribute to recovery. A message that is all-the-more poignant in a borough that has been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Through an open call, Newham’s residents were invited to submit homemade videos showcasing their talents and offering insight into the role creativity plays in their life. Each weekly broadcast featured a host from Newham, who shared their creative skills and love of dance, singing, writing and photography to inspire others to join in and get involved. Our broadcasts hosts were artistic director Jade Hackett, choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy from Boy Blue, author Vaseem Khan, singer Mercedes Jacdonmi, photographer Ashantay Miller and Iroko Theatre Company artistic director Alex Oma-Pius.
The Community Broadcasts were edited by filmmaker Maël Hénaff, who also produced original footage of the featured host. We worked together with a community advisory panel made up of community leaders and young people from all corners of Newham who helped us ensure the project remained relevant to Newham and that the invitation reached people far and wide.
The Community Broadcasts were one of the first public projects coming out of Newham Unlocked, a new cultural programme launched by the London Borough of Newham to increase participation and opportunities in the arts and showcase the creativity and internationalism of the borough from the inside-out. The project identity is designed by HATO.
For more information: www.newhamunlockedbroadcasts.org
