Havering Changing brings Arts Council funding to projects across the Borough through the Creative People and Places Project.
The funding supports local people to choose, create and take part in their own programme of inspiring arts and culture. Clarion Futures are one of eight local partner organisations which make up the Havering Changing Consortium, led by Queen's Theatre Hornchurch. We are delighted to have been awarded further Arts Council funding of £750, 000 to take the programme through until March 2025.
This additional funding is a vote of confidence in Havering Changing and means residents will continue to have amazing opportunities for all ages to create and inspire local community led arts and cultural experiences.
The project has already brought an incredible range of activities to those living and working in Harold Hill, Orchard Village, Rainham and Romford. Even during the pandemic, project partners adapted their programmes to the restrictions, such as providing online theatre and music sessions.
James Jackson, Project Director for Havering Changing said:
Since November 2019, local people have come together to create and celebrate on their doorsteps, at bustling markets, in our beautiful green spaces, in busy high streets, and much loved community, youth and faith spaces.
The community have made all this and more happen, and in doing so, have staged nearly 100 free events and activities, engaged over 25,000 people in hyper local arts and culture, and invested over a quarter of a million pounds into the local creative economy .
Winter warmer at Rainham Hall
A recent Havering Changing project was the ‘Winter Warmer’ created and led by The Rainham Creativity Squad and The Orchard Collective Creators. Hosted at the historic Rainham Hall, which is run by the National Trust, residents of all ages took part in seasonal crafts with local artists BluerSkies Mindful Creatives and Laura Fletcher; and enjoyed entertainment from local Steel Pan band Dallaway Steel, and G-Choral, a Gospel Choir.
In the run up to the event, workshops were held at the local school and youth centre to make festive headbands; and attendees on the day took part in lantern and wreath making sessions. As well as individual creations, people also worked together to create a large community wreath that was hung on the gates of Rainham Hall, for all to see.
With a total of 87 attendees, the event brought seasonal cheer to all. Asked to sum up the day in 3 words, attendees described the event as “uplifting, togetherness, fun” “Lovely joyous and warm” and “Joy Magical friendly”.
We are delighted to be part of Havering Changing, and look forward to sharing more projects, so watch this space!
Find out more about Havering Changing by clicking here.
If you live in Orchard Village or Rainham and would like to get involved or have an informal chat about the project, join a steering group, become a community champion or find out how you can apply for small project funding please contact the team via email, lucy@haveringchanging.org
This article was featured in Your Clarion, our residents' Magazine - read more Clarion stories here.
