We are proud to release the first ten winning portraits of the My Alice Billings House Portrait Project Competition “The One I Admire”.
We are proud to launch Alice Billings Connects, a new cultural programme led by Hive Curates taking place along Stratford High Street to reinvigorate interest in the historic Alice Billings House in Newham, soon to open as a creative workspace. Hive Curates will pilot a year-long programme aimed at making the arts more accessible through events that promote heritage, cultural traditions and well-being.
The two new initiatives aim to generate enthusiasm and gather support in the run-up to the launch of Alice Billings House, which is currently under renovation. The initiatives are supported by the Mayor of London’s High Streets for All Challenge through a grant that Creative Land Trust received of £170,000 of revenue funds. Set up by the Mayor of London and supported by the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), to bring forward and co- design innovative high street recovery strategies in particular following the impacting effects of the pandemic.
Get involved
Alice Billings Connects is proud to announce the launch of the first event series titled: Balance Art and Wellbeing for Mental Health Awareness Month. The launch event will take place on May 25th, showcasing the captivating art installation titled “It’s Nice to Be Nice: Healing Garden” by artist Eve De Haan. This event aims to promote mental wellness and highlight the important connection between art, wellbeing, and community. Sense Collective and Kim Gichinga will kick off the event at 14:45, followed by a range of art workshops available throughout the afternoon. The day will end with a mesmerising dance performance by East London Dance at 18:00, ensuring a memorable and uplifting experience open to all.
The commitment of Alice Billings Connects to the local community extends far beyond the launch event. In June, the organisation will celebrate pride at Applecart Arts, featuring the talented Lolo Brow. Throughout the Summer, Hive Curates will commission a film to be made in collaboration with US.MAN.DERE, a collective founded by Amos Mukombero and Kamila Szymkiewicz, born and raised in Newham. The film will celebrate the stories of local people and engage young people in filmmaking. A screening of the film produced will be unveiled in Autumn.
Alice Billings House
Alice Billings House, the Grade II-listed building part of the former fire station in Stratford will reopen its doors in 2023 as a studio and events complex. The building belongs to the community. We want to celebrate this new creative space by celebrating you!
In the run-up to the activation of Alice Billings House as a new complex of studios and public facing events space, this project will use art and culture to engage and give voice to local communities while creating a sense of interest, intrigue, engagement, and excitement that animates Stratford High Street.
Paint the Change
Founded in 2015, Paint the Change has collaborated with many schools and stakeholders on public art projects for East London. It typically merges themes of social justice with street art, guiding participants through the creation of murals on climate change at Bow School, on ‘positive transformation’ at The Boxing Academy in Hackney, and on the NHS and local history at Rich Mix.