Now more than ever there is a need to build an echo of unification, of recognition and appreciation of difference. To hold our heads up and be counted and to reach out to one another to remind ourselves and others that the concept of division is a social construct. To call out across this divide and send a message of unification to drown out the opposing voices of those who seek to undermine freedom and diversity. Echo Chamber is a series of events over a 2 week period involving thought leaders, musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers, activists and sports personalities, celebrating diversity. Echo Chamber will unite people through panel discussions, talks, film screenings, grass roots organisations, club nights and dj events, acoustic gigs, workshops, food, sport and fitness, pet show events and child friendly activities. "Echo" clothing and merchandise will be available at these events to promote the word "Echo" as synonymous with anti-racist values and a celebration of diversity.
What we'll deliver:
- To host a series of accessible public events celebrating diversity
- To create a lasting recognisable logo for the concept of embracing diversity
- To create an online movement celebrating diversity
Why it's a great idea:
The launch of the "Echo Chamber" concept via the fortnight of events will be used as a catalyst to launch a wider national Echo Chamber movement with a simple strong visual message to unite people. This will continue to spread via the ongoing presence of the logo, building a momentum of unification across London and the UK. The "Echo" logo will act as a visual reminder of how many people uphold the values it represents and will be a visible representation of a defiant unification of people everywhere and a vocal rejection of racist and fascist values. The presence of this logo both in Hackney, Tower Hamlets and across the city will support a mood of unity and safety with the potential to develop into an online international movement and extend to future events. The logo could be appropriated by anyone from designers and musicians to art students and graffiti artists as part of it's afterlife.
Steps to get it done:
- Commitment of support from musicians /bands/artists/thought leaders etc.
- Agreement for use of festival venue (Victoria park in between other festivals) from council
- Commitment from site build team
- Design of logo
- Creation of merchandise
- Outreach and engagement with local community
- Commitment of support from smaller local venues
- Match funding support from larger partners
- Pre-production and planning for festival and events
- Festival and event fortnight
- Dissemination of logo and concepts
It is easy to feel discouraged by the growing voices of division building momentum across the world. One way of combatting this misguided displacement of resentment is to build an opposition voice to match and drown out the sentiments of hatred. London is often referred to as an echo chamber in relation to the rest of the country. Many of us choose to live here because we have the same positive attitude towards diversity, we experience first hand the benefits of living with people whose backgrounds or culture differ to our own. People come here for the life and vibrancy that London offers. This movement of people and cultures is a living pulsating ever ever changing stimulus. Stimulating thought, productivity, ideas, action, interaction and the economy and it has the power to influence the world. The cultural phenomenon of London and it’s contribution to art, food, music, sport, debate and progress, has created a city who’s strength is internationally recognised, lets celebrate it!
