London is one of 17 cities taking part in Portrait of a Nation, a year long programme of events and online activity which has asked teenagers and young people to discuss how their lives have been shaped by the culture, places and people of their home town.
Portrait of a Nation has asked young people in Newham what makes the capital different and special. What do London's young people value compared with those in Bristol, Belfast or Birmingham? And what do they all have in common?
Backed by an HLF grant of £50,000, London's Newham project, called ‘Portrait of a Nation - This is Who We Think We Are?' will see 50 Newham young people aged 14-19 explore the post-World War Two migration of Caribbean and African people to East London. Researching local history, dance, song and music using local museums, archives and libraries at a three-week long summer school, they will then create a film and live performance to be shown at Stratford Circus at the end of August as part of the London - Beijing Olympic handover ceremonies.
A selection of the work will then travel to Liverpool for the UK Portrait of a Nation finale event at St George's Hall in December, which will feature a two day festival showing the work from youth projects around the country. This pinnacle showcase will close the Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations.
Managed by Newham Council's Arts and Events Team, the project partners include East London Dance, Urban Development (music) and Circus Media Centre (film), all based in Stratford.
Project Manager, Steve Cross, for Newham Festivals & Arts said:
"This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to take part in this prestigious national project, looking at their cultural heritage and what it is like to live in Newham today".
Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said:
"Newham is an amazing place. We have a hugely diverse and predominantly young population. There is a spirit of tolerance that exists between different races and I am sure our talented young people will reflect that in this exciting project."
Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for London, said:
"We're delighted to see London's contribution to Portrait of a Nation get under way with LB Newham and Stratford Circus. It will be very exciting to see the young people of this city take part in the national culture and identity debate. We are looking forward to seeing what work they are going to produce, how they interpret themselves and their environments, and ultimately what their vision is of the heritage that makes London special."
