This is the Wick - we do things differently here.

At one time, the loss of Hackney Wick’s thriving warehouse-based artist community was almost considered an inevitability, as the area became a hot prospect for all the usual displacing forces of urban regeneration.

But there has always been a strong will here to do things differently. That spirit has resulted in forward-thinking developers being able to engage with the existing community regularly at the Cultural Interest Group’s monthly meetings (see below for info on the next one).

Long-term conversations are now beginning to bear fruit, with the announcement that Hackney Wick & Fish Island’s Community Development Trust has secured a 99-year lease with the developer Halcyon, to operate affordable community workspace in the building to be built on the current site of its experimental circular economy hub, The Loop, on Wallis Rd.

That means affordable local workspace is guaranteed, not just for the existing community, but for future generations as well.

And this is not the only forthcoming development to hardwire in such creative uses.

Read the full story of the groundbreaking Hackney Wick Model here.

👌🏼 Pangaea Sculpture Centre have exciting plans to move into a purpose-built four-storey high facility in the forthcoming Wickside development, and they’re hosting a special Visioning and Information event this Sat 1st Mar at Fabwick where you can find out more and have your say. They’re keen for all local artists, technicians, fabricators, educators, and other creatives to come along and help shape the vision of what this new space can be.

🎤 Join comedian Mark Thomas for a free early evening event at Stratford East this Fri 28th Feb on the history of the venue and how politics and theatre connect. With a panel featuring the director of current production Animal Farm Amy Leach, Stratford East: Politics and Theatre will demonstrate why our stages are more important than ever.

🥽 Another local immersive art experience comes courtesy of Nigerian artist Kingsley Obasi and digital practitioner Zeb Fry as they present Bouyancy Of The Spirit, at Smeed Rd’s Not For Sale Gallery. The free private view is tonight Wed 26th Feb.

💿 Tonight, Wed 26th Feb, sees a surprise just-announced DJ performance at Colour Factory from New York’s avant-garde musician Eartheater. She’ll be brining along some unannounced special guests too, and this is her only London show of 2025, so don’t sleep.

🎤 The epic Open Mic night is back at Fabwick tonight, Wed 26th Feb, with the chance to drop in and sign up to perform 2-3 songs, and win £200 if the audience like you best - so bring an entourage, and let ‘um know the beers are only a fiver.

🏳️‍🌈 The irrepressible Miss Aisles brings her chaotic cabaret back to Carbobar this Friday, 28th Feb for another night of the singalong Hot Mess Express. Find our more in The Wick’s exclusive interview with her from last month.

🪩 It’s the first DeepDig party of the year at Grow this Sat 1st Mar, with nu-jazz and afro riddims specialist LAANI alongside soulful floorfiller Maria Hanlon at this in-house celebration of the venue’s favourite selectors.

🍷 Scale Up East is Newham Chamber of Commerce’s fully-funded business growth and support programme that offers new and growing East London businesses one-to-one coaching, mentoring and group learning, plus access to finance and an alumni network. Join them for a special free evening of networking drinks at Signorelli, Stratford Cross on Wed 5th Mar. Book in advance as places are very limited.

🪓 Cone8 Ceramics Studio are running a special ceramic axe-making workshop on Fri Mar 14th where you’ll design, make and decorate personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by ancient weaponry.

💰 Businesses and residents of Tower Hamlets are invited to the free Finance Solutions and Business Support for SMEs at the Town Hall in Whitechapel tomorrow, Thurs 27th Feb. There’s a particular focus on Islamic finance, but the event will be useful for all looking for expert advice on how to raise funds to support business growth, and lunch is included too.

🎶 If you’re aged 18-35, of black heritage and interested in producing big events, then the return of the Festival & Carnival Lab 2025 is for you. A weekly series of free training sessions based in the Olympic Park, you’ll learn from the biggest names in the business, from the likes of Notting Hill Carnival to Glastonbury, Download and Wilderness festivals. Only 10 places, so apply before 6th March.

👗 Caramel Rock is offering a 12-week Level 1 BTEC in Fashion for individuals aged 19+. The course is free and the start date is ongoing. To learn more or enroll, check out their website.

🥻 Hackney Wick & Fish Island Community Development Trust is looking for an individual or organisation to become their new circular fashion hub and young makers programme partner. You’ll get a rent-free, high quality studio space for one year, and be expected to deliver the workshops and mentoring for the third year of the Sustainable Young Makers Programme in 2025.

🖼️ Chats Palace Arts Centre in Homerton is looking to appoint a new Director to build upon nearly 50 years of history and to develop their landmark building as both a venue and community hub, making and hosting high-quality arts. Apply by 3rd Mar.

The Trampery is looking for a full time Facilities Manager to be based at their Fish Island hub, but working across neighbouring sites at Poplar Works and the Gantry too. Deadline Fri 28th Feb.

💴 The East End Community Foundation (EECF) is offering Well-being Grants for Young People 2025. Non-profit organizations and community groups in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and City of London can apply for grants up to £25,000 to support activities for young people's mental and emotional health, and life skills development. Apply by Mar 17th.

⚖️ If you are an artist, writer, musician, actor, sculptor, web-designer or any other type of creative practitioner and have an issue relating to your work but can’t afford access to legal support, the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre offers free advice on areas including intellectual property, trademark and copyright. Fill in the form and they’ll get back to you. Deadline Fri 21st Mar.

💷 The London Open Fund is a Loughborough University London scheme offering grants of £1,000 to support community groups and organisations based in the four growth boroughs around the Olympic Park. Applications are welcome for projects that link to the themes of health and wellbeing, sustainability and inclusivity. Deadline 3rd March.

🚢 Anyone who’d like to put on a cultural event to celebrate the Windrush Generation should contact Hackney Council, who have small grants of up to £2k now available to help make it a reality. Your event will need to be delivered in June 2025 and can also be part of a bigger project. Deadline for applications is 17th March.