Come and join the debate about the creative industries in east London
Birkbeck Connects is a series of three free events to celebrate the opening of University Square, Birkbeck's new east London home
Birkbeck Connects is a series of three free events to celebrate the opening of University Square, a new state-of-the-art university campus shared by Birkbeck, University of London, and the University of East London. Birkbeck’s new east London home is at the heart of Stratford’s Cultural Quarter.
East London artists, writers, academics and creative entrepreneurs will gather to explore the impact of rapid change on their world. Come and join the debate: what does the creative economy in east London look like now and how does it engage with the arts, culture and creativity? How is the character of east London represented through the arts and media? Is the story changing? Which version is winning? Who and what is flourishing locally? What are local audiences enjoying and experiencing? Who are they? Is it a good environment in which to live, work and play?
Engage in lively discussions with the renowned historian Professor Jerry White, major figures from art-commissioning organisations, including Sarah Weir OBE (Chief Executive of the Legacy List and Birkbeck alumna) and Hadrian Garrard (Director of CREATE London), and locally acclaimed artists such as choreographer, performer, educator and former associate of the Royal Opera House, Freddie Opoku-Addaie, and local creative entrepreneurs, including Vivian Archer of the famous, community-focused Newham Bookshop.
The events kick-off with a short film compilation or performance before the debate and audiences can browse at Newham Bookshop’s stall. Quiz the panellists by submitting your questions in advance to info@newmedianetworks.org .
The first event will be moderated by Anita Sethi - a journalist, writer, broadcaster and presenter.
The second and third events will be moderated by Henry Bonsu - a director, presenter and writer.
Programme of events
East London – A creative business
Following a short screening of the rich mix of east London on film through the ages, there will be a discussion addressing: What does the creative economy mean and how does it connects with arts, culture and creativity? Who and what is flourishing? Why east London?
Panellists:
Hadrian Garrard, Director, Create London
Gavin Poole, CEO iCITY
Amica Dall, Designer and Architect
Vivian Archer, Manager, Newham Bookshop
Alvin Carpio, Chairing Fabian Commission on youth unemployment
Sophie Hope, Lecturer in Arts Management, Birkbeck
When: Wednesday 11 September, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Where: Stratford Picturehouse, Salway Road E15 IBX
Booking: Free of charge, book online or book a place direct with the Picturehouse: Box Office: 0871 902 5740, stratfordeast@picturehouses.co.uk
Click here for biographies of the panellists
East London – Real and imagined
How is the character of East London represented through the arts and media? Is the story changing? Which version is winning?
Panellists:
Hugh Muir, columnist, The Guardian
Professor Jerry White, historian, Birkbeck, University of London
Stella Duffy, theatre director and writer
Freddie Opoku-Addaie, choreographer, performer, educator and former associate of the Royal Opera House
Andi Osho, comedian, actor and writer
When: Wednesday 18 September, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Where: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square E15 1BX
Booking: Free of charge; book online or book a place direct with Stratford Circus: Box Office: 0844 357 2625
Click here for biographies of the panellists
Creative east London - Who’s it for? Who cares?
What are audiences enjoying and experiencing within the creative economy of east London? Who are they? Is it an environment that is good to live, work and/or play in?
Panellists:
Sarah Weir, Chief Executive of The Legacy List
Ruth Mackenzie, Former director of the Cultural Olympiad and curator of the London 2012 Festival
Emma Underhill, Director and curator, UP Projects
Kerry Michael, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Stratford East
Jay Miller, Artistic Director, The Yard Theatre, Hackney Wick
Rob Swain, Professor of Theatre Practice, Birkbeck
Dr Ben Cranfield, Lecturer in Arts Policy and Management
When: Monday 23 September, 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Where: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatre Square E15 1BN
Booking: Free of charge; book online or book a place direct with the Theatre Royal: Box Office 020 8534 0310
Click here for biographies of the panellists
Birkbeck Connects will be filmed by the events’ producers, New Media Networks.