STOP PRESS: Children in Southwark leading the way for community integration
Today, with funding from the London Mayor’s Culture Seeds programme, the Restorative Justice for All Institute launched the Children and Art for Unity (CA4U) programme. This is a children-led, community cohesion project in the SE16 London area. It will be delivered in partnership with the local arts centre, Bizzie Bodies.
The programme aims to provide educational and recreational activities to marginalised children to create original, digital art that will bring Rotherhide's culture to life. CA4U aims to increase children's integration into a developing London area, while bringing cultures and all ages together to debate the results of their art and what matters to them.
Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons said: “London is bursting with creative talent yet it can be extremely difficult for small grassroots organisations to access funding for local cultural projects. The Mayor and I have made it a priority to support London’s creative potential, and the new Culture Seeds grants will make a big difference to community projects across the capital. I’m really pleased that we are able to support Children and Art for Unity with their great work.”
Dr. Theo Gavrielides, Founder and Director of the Restorative Justice for All Institute said: “We are delighted to be part of the Culture Seeds programme. The regeneration plans in the SE16 area have exacerbated the tensions between the established and newly arrived residents. Our children’s art will bring our rich local culture to life while encouraging a much-needed intergeneration dialogue. We look forward to seeing our children leading the way. Everyone is welcome at our workshops and exhibition”.
Through a partnership with the local non-profit Bizzie Bodies, CA4C will hold digital art workshops, focusing on culture, race equality and community cohesion. The project will run until 31 March 2019. Further detail can be found https://www.theogavrielides.com/ca4u
Emilie Mendy, Director of Bizzie Bodies said: “Thanks to the Mayor's cultural seeds programme, the children will access a unique and fantastic opportunity to develop creative and digital art skills for their future, learn about their local heritage while contributing to the regeneration in their community”.
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Notes to Editors
Restorative Justice for All: https://www.theogavrielides.com/rj4all
Bizzie Bodies: http://www.bizziebodies.co.uk/
Culture Seeds: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/arts-and-culture/current-culture-projects/culture-seeds
To reserve your child's place contact Emilie, 07445237296, , Twitter: @Bizzie_bodie, Instagram: Bizzie Bodies, Facebook: Bizzie Bodies.
Through Culture Seeds, the Mayor has made more than £1million available to support community-led cultural projects in every London borough. Organisations may apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 until May 2020 to support their community-led arts, culture and heritage activities
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/arts-and-culture/current-culture-projects/culture-seeds