Hackney Heart showcases Hackney’s rich range of designers and creators, acts as an interactive and informative public space and hosts changing workshops and one-off events. It works with a wide range of local community groups. It is an integral and dynamic managed space that functions on a number of levels. Changing themes create interest and bring different people to the space, accompanied by relevant creative workshops for all age groups. We outreach via extensive links with local bodies and community groups. Working closely with Hackney Homemade Market in St John at Hackney churchyard on the same street, suppliers are being offered the opportunity to cross promote their products at the market and be involved with planned local events and festivals. Hackney Heart already has a range of creative and community groups on board, including National charity Catch 22.
What we'll deliver:
- We will continue to offer a platform to local creatives.
- Allow community and charity groups to raise awareness and funds.
- Facilitate interaction between all members of the community.
- Provide a space for all members of the community to meet and talk.
- We will pay for our lease for a further three months.
Why it's a great idea:
The shop space in the heart of Hackney positively promotes this part of the borough and the Narrow Way across a number of platforms. Embracing diversity, its range of products on sale, information and workshops are an important shop window for key aspects of Hackney central and the Narrow Way in particular.
On sale on the shop floor are well chosen products that represent Hackney’s rich artistic talent. The information points with an interactive community board provide information and gather feedback and facilitate communication and encourage dialogue about the local community. A pop up gallery wall space showcases a variety of local art including graffiti artists and street photographers from Hackney will include work for sale.
Steps to get it done:
- Create a training programme with Skyway Charity for children in Pupil Referral Units.
- Develop our existing programme of events and create an educational programme.
- Work more closely with schools to promote healthy eating and creative activities.
In the short time we have been open we have had over 2,000 people through the door, of all ages and backgrounds and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, we haven't had one negative comment.
Some of the feedback we have had (which we are collating) includes:
'This place is a landmark' Molly, 70 years old, Jamaica
'Creative, space, wonderful' Andrew, 40, local artist.
'This place is very different, you don't see things like this around.' Sagal, 25 years old. Somalia
In addition the interactive information point works really well, the coffee has been described as the 'best in London', we have a constant stream of local creatives wanting to showcase their work in the shop, and have already planned workshops in basic woodworking skills, art therapy and mosaic making.
