Inspired by London - showcase event

On Monday 16 November 2009, people from across the creative and cultural, education and business sectors came together at Delfina, near London Bridge for a special event to showcase the work of A New Direction.

A New Direction is an independent charity working with London’s schools and young people to develop creative approaches to teaching and learning. By connecting young Londoners to the creative and cultural opportunities around them, we aim to enrich their learning and their lives, and develop the skills and confidence to be successful and fulfilled.

The theme of the evening was ‘Inspired by London’, and guests were treated to an exclusive performance by Connectingvibes*, who were commissioned to develop a dance piece based on this theme, while pupils from Jubilee Primary School in Hackney boomed out over the sound of chattering guests, in pre-recorded conversations exploring what ‘inspires’ them about living in London.

During the evening, students from schools in Southwark (St Michael & All Angels, Sacred Heart and St Saviour's School) worked with designer Marc Walker, to showcase their magazine design skills and the IPC Media Schools Design programme. (You can download the brochure produced by Marc and the students during the evening below.) Artwork from the project was exhibited around the space for guests to see the high level of work achieved through the programme.

Guests were able to find out about the ‘Story of Stratford’ project, a two-year artist commission project in partnership with Westfield Stratford City. Artist Helen Marshall worked with pupils from Colegrave Primary School in Newham, interviewing and filming guests - including John Burton, Director of Westfield Stratford City - to find out their views on this large-scale development happening in Stratford, East London.

A visual treat was served up by young people from Thomas Tallis School (a Creative Partnerships School of Creativity) as they joined together with artist Clare Burnett to create a dramatic 3d London skyline, and guests were invited to find out more about A New Direction’s work and aspirations around the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This is an exciting time for the organisation, as we launch ‘inlondon’ a new interactive network for London schools interested in creative teaching and learning. The new network mixes online tools, resources, advice and support with a programme of exciting events for members.

A New Direction would like to thank all those who took part, and came along and we look forward to working with you in 2010.

(Download the brochure below, produced by designer Marc Walker and the IPC Media students at the event.)