David Bowie and East Bank bring a new spirit of openness

We were at the new V&A Storehouse at Here East yesterday morning for the first announcements of their exciting plans for opening, in May 2025.

The vast building has seen over a quarter of a million precious artefacts transferred there in recent months, and will offer world-leading access to every one of them to the general public for the first time.

Hot on the heels of Sadler’s Wells unveiling their own plans for a public access dancefloor at their East Bank site, we’re really starting to see the degree of openness that the incoming cultural organisations are intent on pioneering as they establish themselves here.

The Storehouse will offer a self-guided tour through the facility, where you can see its mini curated displays and large-scale artefacts like the 17th century Agra Colonnade and chunks of iconic, recently demolished Poplar estate Robin Hood Gardens, alongside the opportunity to book access to see any object from the wider collection you like, seven days a week.

The eagerly anticipated David Bowie Centre section will then open next September, and the V&A have worked particularly closely with their East Youth Collective on how to make his legacy engaging for new generations, as part of their ongoing impressive local outreach programmes.

It all sounds very optimistic for bringing locals over the threshold of these glossy new cultural institutions when they finally open their doors, and we hope it all adds the wider story of this part of London serious breaking the mould when it comes to how creativity is nurtured and enjoyed - by everyone.

Find out all about the V&A Storehouse.

🩻 The current artist in residence exhibition at Two More Years has been extended by another month, giving you further opportunity to check out the work of familiar HWFI skeleton character specialist Squarms.

🎭 Currently showing at The Yard Theatre is Flea, the true story of the Cleveland Street Scandal that shook Victorian England, from the shadowy streets of Bermondsey to the gilded halls of Buckingham Palace. Featuring the people who fought to expose it, and those who'd do anything to keep it hidden, it’s a tale of power, sex and deception. Runs until 30th November.

This Saturday, 26th October sees a whole day of events to mark Stratford East turning 140 years old. Their doors are being flung open to everyone to come and enjoy all kinds of free entertainment, workshops, talks, arts and crafts, facepainting, theatre tours and many other exciting activities, suitable for all ages.

💪 Expressions of Resilience is a new exhibition and week-long event series celebrating East London’s emerging creative talents, hosted by youth consultancy Beyond The Box at urban art supporters BUILDHOLLYWOOD’s space on Quaker St in Shoreditch. It kicks off with a special event on Mon 4th Nov celebrating the work of young architects, designers, makers, and artists. Then look out for panel discussions and immersive pop-ups all week.

🪑Nordic vintage furniture warehouse Ælfred hosts another Great Yard Sale on Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd November, to celebrate their second birthday. Landing the very same weekend is their largest delivery to date, too, meaning loads of mid-century pieces and unmissable deals in a veritable furniture frenzy.

💌 Blending fashion, art, and social commentary, Collective Care is a new free exhibition in the Front Gallery and Foyer at London College of Fashion. It invites visitors to rethink the relationship between fashion and community wellbeing through contributions from emerging and established voices in fashion, art, and social sustainability. They challenge us to see care in all its forms; from intimate gestures of love to our shared responsibility for the world around us. Runs until 14th December.

🎃 Scary Things return for their big annual Halloween party (with prizes for the best fancy dress, naturally) and DJs Mayk3900, Annis Katrina, DJ Bempah + JK, Melly, Shaun Sky and your host Abiibred dropping dance, rap and club tracks all night long at Colour Factory this Friday, 25th Oct.

🎃🎃 Undrgrndsoundz are also getting into the scary spirit with a Halloween Special at Fabwick on 2nd Nov with Scarba, Ken Styles and DJ Tanya2Much playing hip hop, amapiano, dancehall, afrobeats and loads more alongside tarrot readings, food and the obligatory costume competition.

🪴 Join Sam Crees from Grow as he hops across the road to Repot to show you how to grow your own terrarium in upcycled pickle jars at a special workshop next Thurs 24th Oct. You’re invited to BYOB and have a drink while you’re at it, too.

🧑‍💼 SHIFT are running a dynamic 1.5-hour workshop designed specifically for mission-driven startups and SMEs based in London. Mission to Market: Crafting a Value Proposition That Wins Customers and Investors will focus on crafting a compelling value proposition that not only communicates your mission, but also resonates with customers and investors. You’ll also get the chance to network with like minded peers from London-based SMEs and startups, on Wednesday 30th October, tickets are free.

❤️‍🩹 Local mentoring, sport and education powerhouse BADU are running Proud 2 Be: Health & Heritage Evening as part of their Black History Month celebrations. With panel discussions, workshops, stalls and therapy drop-ins on the contributions Black individuals have made to healthcare and medicine throughout history, at Plexel on Friday 25th Oct.

🌉 Roach Point Bridge is about to be demolished as part of the ongoing Wickside redevelopment along the canal. The final day you’ll be able to use it to access/exit Fish Island will be next Sunday, 3rd Nov. From Mon 4th you’ll need to use alternative routes until a brand new bridge opens in the spring. Find out all you need to know about the bridge project here.

🚧 The latest newsletter from Hackney Yards is also now available online, with updates on their works beside Hackney Wick Overground, and latest measures to mitigate the ongoing air quality issues.

❎ VOTE! Floating restaurant Barge East has been nominated for Sustainable Business of the Year in the annual The Staff Canteen Awards. They’re asking all local fans of their waterfront drinking and dining experience to vote for them today. It only takes a moment and might help bring home a prestigious circular economy gong for one of the area’s most iconic restaurants.

💁‍♀️ The upcoming Digital Body Festival (15th-17th November at Hackney Bridge) is now recruiting for volunteers to help visitors and work with festival staff in the event’s five main areas: the interactive exhibitions, the screen-based gallery, the prototypes and workshops lab, the talks and panels area, and the performance programme. You’ll get a pass for all three days of the festival, tickets to all festival performances, local travel costs and refreshments during your volunteering shift.