Learning & Participation

As well as developing a range of creative skills, our learning programmes build confidence and self-esteem, encourage team work and strengthen ties with the local community.

We are currently running Grime Taster sessions for young people in Waltham Forest in partnership with hip-hop/grime artist Lemzi. The workshops include an introduction to grime and an opportunity for young people to try their hand at lyric writing and MCing. We are also consulting with the groups on the shape and content of a longer-term grime project planned for next year. Artist Jonny Glover from More Than Minutes is illustrating the sessions live.

We delivered our first workshop to a group of 17 young people at Stow Youth in Action Youth Club, Priory Court Community Centre on Wednesday 27th September. The session was funded by William Morris Big Local.

Our second session, in partnership with Peabody, will take place on Tuesday 24th October, 5 - 8pm at The Epicentre, Leytonstone. To reserve a space, please email emma@beatroots.org.

Jonny Glover and Lemzi following our first workshop at Priory Court

Jonny Glover and Lemzi following our first workshop at Priory Court

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What We Do

Projects

In summer 2016, we were commissioned by the London Borough of Waltham Forest to produce Punk Waltham Forest; a three-month season of activities celebrating the borough’s contribution to punk music.

At the heart of the programme was an exhibition on Small Wonder Records. Beautifully curated by Neil Meads with exhibition support from Julia Spicer, the exhibition documented the unique influence of the Small Wonder record shop and label based on Hoe Street on punk music. Included as part of the exhibition was an installation of the Small Wonder shop, painstakingly recreated by Andrea Purcigliotti, Tony Barber and Matt Tully.

Curation

Beatroots is delighted to be curating the music for Painted Ladies, the first Friday Late at the Old Royal Naval College on Friday 17th November, 7 - 10pm.

Be seduced by the drama of the beautiful Painted Hall at this late event for all the senses featuring music from Lilith Ai, a singer/songwriter at the forefront of the riot grrrl revival and member of the Fight Like A Girl collective, who performs poignant tales of modern city life. Meanwhile DJ Marcia Carr, of the Ladyz DJs crew and curator of Girlz B Like, promises to get us all on the dance floor with her deep, soulful, jazzy sets encompassing tech house, Afro, gospel house, disco, broken beat, nu jazz and dubstep.

Tickets: £12 (£10 concessions). Book here.

Previous events:

We were delighted to be partnered with the William Morris Gallery to co-curate two of their Late events in December 2016 and February 2017.

WMG Lates are bi-monthly after-hours events that provide a chance to experience the Gallery in a relaxed adult atmosphere. Visit the special exhibitions and have opportunity to sample some of the best art, music, poetry and performance in London.