Last week the Good Hotel in Royal Victoria Docks became the beating heart of Newham’s creative scene as Fight for Peace Young Creatives proudly presented I Love My Newham, ‘Still.’ The inspiring art exhibition, funded by Arts Council England, was a great success, bringing together the community to celebrate the talent of ten young artists who showcased their work through photography and film, as well as five young poets who took to the stage to perform their pieces about what Newham means to them.
The exhibition is part of a wider Arts Council project, Creative Careers for Change, which aims to provide opportunities for young people in Newham to gain access to experience and opportunities within the creative sector.
In a borough where opportunities in the arts are scarce, the project gives young people the agency to tell their own stories and in turn challenge barriers, and break down stereotypes that may stand in the way of their career progression.
Carefully curated by Fight for Peace’s Creative Lead, Kayla Troy, and Young Creative, Aladdin Benberna, the exhibition was the result of three months of dedicated work, collaboration, and artistic expression. The team of Young Creatives set out with the aim to capture and celebrate our vibrant borough of Newham through their unique artistic perspectives. The result was a powerful, multi-dimensional showcase that left guests inspired and uplifted.
The Good Hotel’s lobby was transformed into a stunning gallery space, displaying a range of photography differing in message and style from four talented photographers, Fatimah, Alexander, Lorenzo, and Shekinah. Each artist captured a distinct piece of Newham, focusing on four carefully chosen themes: The Future, The History, Unsung Heroes, and Location. Through their lenses, they told the story of a borough rich in culture, resilience, and community spirit.
Adding to the immersive experience, a dedicated cinema space in the Sky Blue room screened behind the scenes films created by Julia and Daniel, giving audiences a glimpse into the creative journey behind the exhibition. A standout visual piece, ‘Newham in Motion’ by Maz, transported viewers through key locations across the borough, encapsulating its energy and movement in a mesmerising audio-visual display.
The night was further elevated by powerful live poetry performances from young poets who participated in a series of writing workshops led by former Fight for Peace staff member and Grime artist Roachee, in collaboration with poet and Creative Lead Kayla Troy. Their words captured the essence of life in Newham with raw honesty and lyrical brilliance, leaving the audience on a high.
The exhibition attracted a wonderful mix of Fight for Peace staff, members, and local community members, as we came together to celebrate the artistic achievements of our Young Creatives. The atmosphere was buzzing with pride and admiration as visitors admired the artwork, listened to poetry, and connected over life in Newham.
‘I Love My Newham, Still’ was more than just an exhibition, it was a powerful testament to the strength, diversity, and creativity that defines Newham. It was a night where young voices were heard, stories were told, and a community came together to champion the next generation of artists and storytellers.
Big thank you to Arts Council England for supporting this project and allowing us to put Newham on the map in a new and exciting way. Big congratulations to all of the Young Creatives and poets who contributed their time, talent, and passion to bring this vision to life.