The idea
The Institute of Imagination's (iOi) Imagination Lab is situated on Albert Embankment in a building formerly used by the London Fire Brigade. The local community helped to raise funds to fit out the Lab, transforming it from an empty workshop to a functioning family space. Since officially launching in February the Lab has worked with over 6,000 people from across London. The feedback we have had from schools and families has been fantastic, but we are keen to bring more local people through our doors to ensure we are delivering real and long-lasting local impact.
We want local families to feel comfortable and confident in the Lab. Over four months we will design and deliver an innovative, intergenerational programme specifically for them. We will help local children develop vital skills and encourage them to access other cultural and educational offers. And we will ensure that local people are fully engaged as the site is regenerated into a mixed-use community.
What we'll deliver
- Recruit a local liaison officer to consult and build relationships with the local community
- Purchase cutting edge VR headset and computer to facilitate innovative learning experiences
- Run workshops to co-create content with children, parents and teachers
- Deliver family workshops specifically for local people
- Produce evaluation report that collates views of local people to inform iOi's capital development & local regeneration
Why it's a great idea
With increasing predictions of automation and AI (Artificial Intelligence) changing both our society and our economy, it is vital that children are supported to develop the creative and imaginative skills they will need to thrive in this rapidly changing future. The iOi exists to do just that.
If we are to make a difference for children no matter what their background or ability we need to tailor our content and approach to reach those who wouldn't access traditional cultural offers. Children like those in Lambeth.
Lambeth faces some significant challenges: less than half the local people speak English as a first language and 38% of children receive free school meals - a recognised indicator of deprivation. Through targeted engagement and by offering cutting edge experiences we can meet the needs of this diverse borough and ensure local voices are heard as the area regenerates, meaning no one is left behind.
Steps to get it done
- Appointing a local liaison officer
- Holding a series of community consultation events
- Holding a series of local family workshops
- Holding our evaluation workshop
- Producing our evaluation report
Cllr Matthew Bennett, Cabinet member for Planning, Regeneration & Jobs, said: “We are delighted that the Imagination Lab has opened on Albert Embankment as it is providing a fantastic new resource for the local community. Lambeth is a diverse and vibrant area, with a rich cultural history, and it is opportunities like those provided by the Institute of Imagination that will help towards our ambition to get 85% of Lambeth residents taking part in regular cultural activities by 2020.”
