Hello Again Hackney Community Workshops at Grow
Since the beginning of the year, we hosted workshops for Hackney residents to join makers, producers, musicians, artists and activists and participant in an introductory creative activity and enjoy a communal meal together. The events are part of the Hello Again, Hackney campaign, a Hackney Council (LBH) Initiative which aims to encourage residents and visitors to rediscover their favourite venues, businesses and public spaces and help get the local economy back on its feet after the strain of the coronavirus.
We have some more events coming up, so check out our events calendar and sign up to our e-newsletter to keep-up-to-date. In the meantime, we wanted to share some of the things we’ve got up to so far….
AFRICAN DRUMMING WORKSHOP WITH ABASS DODOO
On Monday 14 June, Abass Dodoo hosted a workshop for a group of 20 Hackney residents who were curious about African drumming or wished to further their drumming journey. Abass, who has toured worldwide for 9 years with legendary CREAM drummer Ginger Baker and leads One-drum, a successful African drum ensemble, took participants through some classic rhythms for 1.5 hours, followed by a communal meal together
One participant said about their experience:
‘Accessible, interactive, diverse, inclusive. Great energy. Great food’
INTRO INTO BLACKSMITHING AT BLACKDOG FORGE
On Monday 30 May, participants joined artist and blacksmith, Flee Jones of Grow Studios at her forge to learn how to use the forge, anvil and hammers to create a decorative hook and a trivet using traditional Blacksmithing techniques.
One participant said:
‘The Blacksmithing Workshop was amazing! I learned so much on one afternoon. I already look forward to when the next workshop will be.’
OPEN CYPHER AND FREESTYLE WORKSHOP WITH LeeN
On Monday 9 May, a group of 15 people from joined MC, studio artist, streamer, and music producer, LeeN, at this introductory Freestyle Training Cypher (FTC). This workshop covered 3 skills/techniques to help you develop your improv/freestyle craft. The workshop was delivered in the form of a “rap cypher”.
‘The MC was very interactive, the crowd participated and gave positive feedback and the content was PRICELESS!’
COMMUNITY ACTIVISM WITH THE CENTRE FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE
This session on Monday 11 April was led by community organiser Beth Foster-Ogg who is part of the Centre of Progressive Change. The group explored the methodology of community organising and gave participants some of the skills to begin building power in their own communities.
‘Useful, informative, friendly, sociable, relaxed, amazing food.’
MONDAY 4 APRIL WALKING TOUR IN HACKNEY WICK & MEAL
On Monday 4 April, a group joined walking artist Simon Cole of Hackney Tours as he guided them through the streets of Hackney Wick whilst responding to place.
‘The coming together of thought. The opportunity to share out reactions and ponder implications. The food was also amazing.’
WORKSHOP WITH ARTIST GINA SOUTHGATE
On Monday 14 March, Hackney residents joined renowned painter of jazz musicians, Gina Southgate, for a evening introducing participants to monoprinting, printing and collage to demystify the build up of surface imagery. The group were also joined by Musician Alan Wilkinson playing his baritone sax and bass clarinet.
‘The music helped me feel more free to put paint on paper. Everyone was super welcoming. The food was absolutely beautiful.’