Hackney Young Voices is delivered by PlaySpace, funded by the Arts Council and Hackney Council and supported by Discover Young Hackney, Queen Mary University, Jack Arts, A New Direction and ADHD UK.
PlaySpace is a Hackney-based consultancy focused on creating the most playful and creative learning experiences for children and young people. Our aim is to nurture children’s natural abilities and give them the space to develop the skills they need now and in the future: creativity, collaboration, confidence, problem-solving, resilience, innovation, openness.
We believe that by placing children and young people at the heart of their own learning experiences, they feel validated and empowered and can take a more active role and are more likely to be engaged, care about and take ownership of their education.
The Hackney Council Cultural Development Team focuses on working with artists and partners in community settings, exploring the role that art, culture and the public realm can play in strengthening local communities. They are supporting Hackney Young Voices through funding, partnerships with local artists and organisations and community outreach.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the project for all their great work in creating a fantastic platform for young residents to express themselves creatively through artwork. In Hackney we understand the importance of providing opportunities for young residents to explore their interests and realise their talent. Through the art, young people have a chance to discover and develop skills, while highlighting what matters most to them.” Cllr Chris Kennedy, cabinet member for health, adult social care, voluntary sector and culture
Discover Young Hackney is Hackney Council’s annual young persons arts and culture festival, now in its 15th year. The initiative aims to develop creativity in young people and break down the barriers that can stand in the way of a career in the arts and cultural sectors.
younghackney.org/discover-young-hackney
Queen Mary University and The Centre for the Study of Childhood Cultures at Queen Mary University are supporting the project on two crucial areas:
- Conducting in-depth evaluation to see the impact of creativity and play within schools for young people in and out of school
- Collaboration with the film studies department to create a documentary film about the project to be screened at Queen Mary University in the Autumn 2022.
qmul.ac.uk/sllf/comparative-literature-and-culture/research/centre-for-childhood-cultures/
Jack Arts, part of the BUILDHOLLYWOOD family, specialise in creating inspiring street campaigns and experiences for the culture space. Jack Arts are providing the Hackney Young Voices project with prime billboard space to showcase the artwork developed by children and young people, and contributing their expertise in creativity, design and production.