The idea
We will work with a range of partners, including local emerging fashion designers and creatives, community groups and professional organisations such as London College of Fashion to establish this Fashion & Creative Hub, that is deeply rooted and embedded in the community as a gateway and feeder centre into some of the exciting new programmes and initiatives being developed as part of the wider East London Fashion District.
The centre will introduce the fashion and creative industries to communities that may not have explored this field, providing training and a space for learning, networking and co-production.
With working class communities and BAME communities under-represented and often marginalised by the creative industries due to various barriers, the centre will focus on bring the creative industry to these communities. The centre is located in the heart of the community and we will use all our networks to reach a new audience and help create new opportunities for them.
What we'll deliver
- Bring a under-used space and develop a vibrant Fashion & Creative Hub
- Outreach into the community to promote the creative industries and the new hub and its facilities
- Deliver a number of taster sessions in fashion design and making and other short courses
- Deliver a quarterly networking session for emerging fashion designers and creatives with other from the industry
Why it's a great idea
With the development of the East London Fashion District, there will be huge amounts of opportunities emerging over the coming months and years, it is vital that the local community are able to take up these opportunities and not left behind. Especially those from working class communities and more so for BAME communities who are often marginalised, despite many in these communities having huge creative talents.
This project will help build the bridge between the professional organisations in the new Fashion District and bring those industries closer to the communities, by providing a place where they can get insight into the industry, get training and network with other likeminded people as well as professionals, so local communities can take up the opportunities that emerge. The project will create a space deeply embedded in the community, to help those who may not have experienced the creative industry, working alongside creative professionals who come from a similar background.
Steps to get it done
- Co-design a delivery plan with group of residents, local artists and partners
- Design and refurbish the space to create the physical framework for a creative hub, this will be done at minimal costs
- Purchase and install the various equipment, fixtures and fittings
- Outreach and promotion to residents
- Launch and opening to young people and residents
- Delivery of first creative arts programmes and experiences by late Spring 2020
