Dagenham: Past, Present and Future is a programme of exhibitions, celebrations, workshops, talks, walks, concerts, food events and a film screening, taking place across Dagenham between 8 April and 3 June 2023.
An open ended project photo album can be viewed on Art Catcher Ltd’s Facebook page!
The programme started with the planning of an art show at Valence House Museum, but soon grew into its current shape, seeing there is so much to say by many about the theme!
The programme was created by Art Catcher Ltd, a small local community arts practice, in collaboration with arts practitioners, residents and local organisations. All of the offers are totally free or have a minimum price, and suitable for the whole family.
Big thanks to all our generous and inspired partners whose great collaborative spirit made this programme possible. No council money at all was spent on the realisation of this project, but much voluntary time and resources by all involved :)
From 1 April, printed events programmes will be available at:
Valence House Museum, the Heath Park Community Centre, Eastbrookend Country Park Team Room, Kingsley Hall, Everyone. Everyday. Shop in the Heathway Shopping Centre, and the front garden of the Blue House, Manning Road.
We hope we will see you at many of our offers listed below!
Click here to download a PDF of the printed programme.
An open ended project photo album can be viewed on Art Catcher Ltd’s Facebook page!
The programme started with the planning of an art show at Valence House Museum, but soon grew into its current shape, seeing there is so much to say by many about the theme!
The programme was created by Art Catcher Ltd, a small local community arts practice, in collaboration with arts practitioners, residents and local organisations. All of the offers are totally free or have a minimum price, and suitable for the whole family.
Big thanks to all our generous and inspired partners whose great collaborative spirit made this programme possible. No council money at all was spent on the realisation of this project, but much voluntary time and resources by all involved :)
From 1 April, printed events programmes will be available at:
Valence House Museum, the Heath Park Community Centre, Eastbrookend Country Park Team Room, Kingsley Hall, Everyone. Everyday. Shop in the Heathway Shopping Centre, and the front garden of the Blue House, Manning Road.
We hope we will see you at many of our offers listed below!
Click here to download a PDF of the printed programme.
The lettering in our logo was created by local resident Violet, 9 years.
SAT 8 APR - SAT 3 Jun (every TUE - SAT, 10am-4pm)
ART EXHIBITION - free
DAGENHAM: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
East London Printmakers at Valence House
Valence House Museum, Becontree Ave, RM8 3HT
ART EXHIBITION - free
DAGENHAM: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
East London Printmakers at Valence House
Valence House Museum, Becontree Ave, RM8 3HT
Artworks pictured by Lynne Blackburn and Liz Collini
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15 artists of the Mile End studio East London Printmakers are presenting their very personal takes on different aspects of Dagenham through the ages.
The works on show include screenprints, lino prints, artist books and 3D installations, displayed in the exhibition gallery as well as amidst the permanent collection of the museum. They reflect the trades and industries, the built landscape and the Becontree Estate, famous locals, personal family history, domestic life through time, experiencing Dagenham as a place of refuge, and more. The show is curated by Art Catcher Ltd. Postcard sets featuring all works on show with artist's info on the reverse will be available at the museum shop. |
SAT 15 APR - SAT 3 Jun (24/7, daylight hours)
ART EXHIBITION - free
DAGENHAM DREAMCATCHERS or MY LIFE ON VINYL
Artworks by students of William Ford Junior School
Front garden gallery at The Blue House, Manning Rd, RM10 9QT
ART EXHIBITION - free
DAGENHAM DREAMCATCHERS or MY LIFE ON VINYL
Artworks by students of William Ford Junior School
Front garden gallery at The Blue House, Manning Rd, RM10 9QT
Work in progress
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Art Catcher Ltd has invited class 5b of William Ford Junior School to create an all weather art show for a front garden gallery on their school run. Using recycled materials, the class has created dreamcatchers to protect and nourish their very personal hopes and dreams as well as those of all who set eyes on this energetic and fun set of artworks.
FRI 28 APR, 2.30-3pm PLEASE NOTE, THE DATE ON THE PRINTED LEAFLET IS INCORRECT, FRI 28 Apr 2.30pm is correct. OFFICIAL CELEBRATION OF THE EXHIBITION Refreshments and nibbles. All artists will be present to show you their works and explain their thoughts behind them to you! Come along and discover! |
SAT 15 APR, 1.30-4pm
CELEBRATION EVENT - free
OFFICIAL OPENING EVENT
of the culture programme and art exhibition
Valence House Museum, Becontree Ave, RM8 3HT
CELEBRATION EVENT - free
OFFICIAL OPENING EVENT
of the culture programme and art exhibition
Valence House Museum, Becontree Ave, RM8 3HT
Pianist Jason Rose will take your requests on the grand piano in the Great Parlour of the museum
Dance Academy HQ are looking forward to presenting their tailor-made dance performance for the event!
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Join us for our opening celebration of our two month culture programme, particularly featuring “Dagenham: Past, Present and Future”, an exhibition of artist prints by members of the studio East London Printmakers at Valence House.
1.30-2.30pm View the artworks, refreshments served. Pianist Jason Rose will be playing live on the museum piano in the Great Parlour to accompany the viewing of the artworks during this time. Requests taken! 2.30pm Official opening of the exhibition and culture programme Donna Lumsden, Beam Park Ward Councillor, Peter Chand, former Mayor, Katja Rosenberg, Art Catcher Ltd 2.45pm Dance performance by local Dance Academy HQ’s young dancers: A tailor made performance themed “Dagenham: Past, Present and Future”! 3.00pm (40 minutes) A guided tour around the artworks. The artists will give short introductions to their inspirations and answer your questions! |
TUE 11 APR, 12.30-2.30pm, or 3.30-5.30pm
WORKSHOP - free, but booking highly recommended
PASSPORT FOR A CITIZEN OF THE PLANET
My Heathway Shop, in the Heathway Shopping Centre, RM10 8RE
WORKSHOP - free, but booking highly recommended
PASSPORT FOR A CITIZEN OF THE PLANET
My Heathway Shop, in the Heathway Shopping Centre, RM10 8RE
Carolyn Gowdy: "My Heart is a Suitcase"
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In this creative workshop by published illustrator Carolyn Gowdy, participants are shown how to make a zine (a small passport-sized booklet). You are then invited to make your own personal passport for a citizen of the planet by filling this zine with words and images. Your passport could help you make new friends and build the bridge to peace and understanding in the world. Adventure awaits. Imagination will take you anywhere and everywhere!
Participants will be encouraged to share their completed passports with one another and to exchange introductions. Materials will be provided. No previous experience necessary. You are welcome to take your passport home at the end of the session. All ages from 5 to 100 years. Children must be accompanied by a carer. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACES HERE |
WED 11, THU 12 and Fri 13 APR, 1-4pm
WORKSHOP - free, but booking highly recommended
3 DAY MOSAIC WORKSHOP
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
WORKSHOP - free, but booking highly recommended
3 DAY MOSAIC WORKSHOP
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
Free event for families and individuals of all ages to explore the world of mosaic art with Katja of Art Catcher Ltd:
Make your own mosaics, and see your work come to life once installed on Heath Park Community Centre's wall! Attend all three sessions to complete this programme: Day 1 - Wednesday 12th April 2023 Create a simple design - with much help provided, no artistic skill necessary, and start creating the mosaic by sticking it on mesh. Day 2 - Thursday 13th April 2023 Continue mosaic creation. Day 3 - Friday 14th April 2023 Finish and install on Heath Park Community Centre wall. From 8 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACES HERE |
SUN 23 APR
DOUBLE BILL SUNDAY @ HEATH PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
DOUBLE BILL SUNDAY @ HEATH PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
4-6PM
DOUBLE BILL 1/2: FILM SCREENING – book early! MADE IN DAGENHAM Sit back and relax as we stream Made In Dagenham (2010, with Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins and Andrea Riseborough) in our Sunday afternoon cinema screening. The film subjects the historical 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.
Café/bar open. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACES HERE 7-8PM
DOUBLE BILL 2/2: LIVE MUSIC – book early! TUOMO KARJALAINEN: CINEMATIC DREAM GUITAR Don't miss Finnish guest guitarist Tuomo Karjalainen who will play his own compositions, and also featuring especially for this event music inspired by the compositions of David Arnold who composed for Made in Dagenham. Prepare for a relaxing evening with space to feed back on the pieces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76rOVUNFcjk Café/bar open. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACES HERE |
TUE 25 APR, 6-7.30pm
WED 3 MAY, 6-7.30pm
GUIDED TOUR – free but booking required
EXPERIENCE PEARL
An exciting chance to visit the state-of-the-arts Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory
UCL PEARL, Yew Tree Avenue, RM10 7FN
WED 3 MAY, 6-7.30pm
GUIDED TOUR – free but booking required
EXPERIENCE PEARL
An exciting chance to visit the state-of-the-arts Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory
UCL PEARL, Yew Tree Avenue, RM10 7FN
Inside PEARL. Photo credit Timothy Soar
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On the site of the old May & Baker factory stands the new PEARL (Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory) working environment. We will walk through its huge malleable laboratory space where lighting, sound, smell and physical features can be controlled for life-sized testing of simulated real-world environments. We will find out about the work that goes into their research with the aim to make the world healthier, happier, and more sustainable for all.
Early booking is recommended for this rare and exciting free opportunity. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE |
+ + + NEW PROGRAMME ADDITION + + +
TUE 2 MAY, 12.30-1.30pm
GUIDED TOUR – free, just turn up
A TOUR OF WOODWARD LIBRARY
... a future community arts & culture centre
Woodward Library, Woodward Road, RM9 4SP
TUE 2 MAY, 12.30-1.30pm
GUIDED TOUR – free, just turn up
A TOUR OF WOODWARD LIBRARY
... a future community arts & culture centre
Woodward Library, Woodward Road, RM9 4SP
Join us for a tour of Woodward Library on Woodward Road that is being redeveloped into a new community arts and culture centre. The site visit will involve a tour of the beautiful old library, bringing members of the community together to explain the proposed plans and how they can get involved in shaping the space. Please meet Lewis (Woodward Arts & Culture Centre Programme Manager) outside the front of the library at 12.20pm to provide adequate time to sign in. Due to health and safety procedures, we can't allow young children into the site. |
SUN 7 MAY, 1-3pm
CELEBRATION EVENT – free, no booking required
CORONATION BIG LUNCH AT KINGSLEY HALL
With Jason the human juke box, playing your requests on Dudley Moore’s grand piano!
Kingsley Hall, Parsloes Ave, RM9 5NB
CELEBRATION EVENT – free, no booking required
CORONATION BIG LUNCH AT KINGSLEY HALL
With Jason the human juke box, playing your requests on Dudley Moore’s grand piano!
Kingsley Hall, Parsloes Ave, RM9 5NB
Ask piano man Jason to play your favourite song while you enjoy your free celebratory lunch, provided by Kingsley Hall!
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A warm invitation to you to join us for our free community lunch - come one come all and celebrate this special weekend with us!
Special treat: We will be accompanied by Jason the human juke box, who will bring us great life entertainment playing your special requests from a long list of favourites on no lesser than Dagenham boy Dudley Moore’s piano! Sing-alongs welcome and encouraged! The lunch party will be followed by a great talk about Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Dagenham at 3pm, see extra entry. No booking required. |
SUN 7 MAY, 3pm
TALK – free, no booking required
1921: GANDHI IN DAGENHAM
Kingsley Hall, Parsloes Ave, RM9 5NB
TALK – free, no booking required
1921: GANDHI IN DAGENHAM
Kingsley Hall, Parsloes Ave, RM9 5NB
Photo by Ishant Mishra on Unsplash
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Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
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Witness this fascinating presentation about Mohandas Gandhi's historic visit to Dagenham, 102 years ago. Don't miss this great talk about an amazing part of Dagenham's history.
No booking required. |
THU 11 MAY, 7pm
TALK – free, but booking recommended
NOTABLE WOMEN OF BARKING AND DAGENHAM
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
TALK – free, but booking recommended
NOTABLE WOMEN OF BARKING AND DAGENHAM
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
Barking and Dagenham is home to a range of inspiring and remarkable women, from the worlds of entertainment, sport, politics, social activism and beyond. Step back in time and discover more about these women’s lives and achievements in this special talk by Stacey Hickling of Valence House Museum.
Café/bar open. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE |
SUN 14 MAY, 7pm
LIVE MUSIC – £5, booking strongly recommended
SANDMOON
Indie Pop/Rock from Beirut - special guest concert!
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
LIVE MUSIC – £5, booking strongly recommended
SANDMOON
Indie Pop/Rock from Beirut - special guest concert!
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
Don't miss Sandmoon, an indie pop/rock band from Beirut that offers an original take on the genre, infusing it with subtle Middle Eastern intonations, melancholy and timelessness.
Sandmoon released their 3rd full-length album, “While We Watch the Horizon Sink” in November 2022 and received much media attention. They are playing a small European tour as an “intimistic stripped down duo” – a special chance to catch this high quality guest act to start putting Dagenham music venues back on the map. Café/bar open. |
REVIEWS FOR SANDMOON
“13 of the Best Independent Female Singers in The Middle East”
Scene Noise
“Characterized by sophisticated orchestration and folk-infused songwriting, Middle-Eastern inspired elements supporting Arslanian's sweetly quavering voice”
IndieShuffle
“The band has some thought-provoking dualities at its core, not only looking East and West culturally, but also to the past, present and future for musical inspiration”
Analogue Trash
BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE
“13 of the Best Independent Female Singers in The Middle East”
Scene Noise
“Characterized by sophisticated orchestration and folk-infused songwriting, Middle-Eastern inspired elements supporting Arslanian's sweetly quavering voice”
IndieShuffle
“The band has some thought-provoking dualities at its core, not only looking East and West culturally, but also to the past, present and future for musical inspiration”
Analogue Trash
BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE
SUN 21 MAY, 1-2.30pm
GUIDED WALK - free, for adults and families, booking required
WALK OF ARTY'S SCULPTURE TRAIL
Led by the Authors of Arty's Eastbrookend Adventure Children's Book!
Eastbrookend Country Park Tea Room, The Chase, RM7 0SS
GUIDED WALK - free, for adults and families, booking required
WALK OF ARTY'S SCULPTURE TRAIL
Led by the Authors of Arty's Eastbrookend Adventure Children's Book!
Eastbrookend Country Park Tea Room, The Chase, RM7 0SS
Arty looks forward to telling you his story
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Explore Arty's Sculpture Trail and meet Irina and Liliana of Books by MILE, the authors of Arty's Eastbrookend Adventure children's book which the sculptures are based on. Hear the wonderful and serendipitous story behind the sculptures.
Meet at the back of Discover Centre next to the wooden sculpture of Robin Rue (near the bike racks) at 1pm. At 1.15pm we will begin our guided tour of Arty's Sculpture Trail. We will conclude the event outside Eastbrookend Country Park Tea Room about 2.30pm where we can stay and chat about the walk over a nice cup of tea. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE |
TUE 23 MAY, 4.30-7.30
CELEBRATION EVENT - free, no booking required
OUR HEATHWAY: DUSK EATS!
Dagenham Heathway, RM9 5AN
CELEBRATION EVENT - free, no booking required
OUR HEATHWAY: DUSK EATS!
Dagenham Heathway, RM9 5AN
Join public consultation specialists Urban Symbiotics for fun pop up, hosted opposite the library, providing food and fun and an opportunity to inform the next steps of Heathway’s future.
The pop up will be hosted during twilight hours 4.30-7.30pm using our pink pop up gazebo, inclusive of lights. It will offer the opportunity to talk over food and sign up to some fun new projects and opportunities to shape the Heathway. The pop up responds to the Heathway community wanting a Heathway that is nicer at night, a better food and drink offer and a place for all to come together. No booking required, just turn up :) |
SAT 27 MAY, 2-3.30pm
SET OF SHORT TALKS - free, but booking required
HERITAGE TALKS:
Dagenham residents present about their cultural backgrounds
Great Parlour, Valence House Museum, Becontree Ave, RM8 3HT
SET OF SHORT TALKS - free, but booking required
HERITAGE TALKS:
Dagenham residents present about their cultural backgrounds
Great Parlour, Valence House Museum, Becontree Ave, RM8 3HT
Set in the beautiful Great Parlour Room of Valence House Museum, a small group of Dagenham residents from across the world will present about places, cultures and life stories which have made them who they are today. The short presentations will be accompanied by some live music interludes on the museum's grand piano. Come and hear the intriguing and touching stories you don't learn about as you pass people on the street.
Refreshments served. BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE |
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
SAT 27 MAY, 7pm
TALK – free, but booking recommended
BESS LEWIN: THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Avenue, Dagenham RM10 7PR
TALK – free, but booking recommended
BESS LEWIN: THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Avenue, Dagenham RM10 7PR
Join local girl Bess Lewin as she presents a talk based around her life in the entertainment industry, spanning over 60 years! An evening of a local’s fascinating life memories and a very personal view on life.
BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE |
SAT 3 JUN, 2-4pm
CLOSING EVENT - free, no booking required
CULTURE PROGRAMME CLOSING AFTERNOON
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
CLOSING EVENT - free, no booking required
CULTURE PROGRAMME CLOSING AFTERNOON
Heath Park Community Centre, Rusholme Ave, RM10 7PR
Please check this website again for possible updates.
All of us look forward to seeing you at the events very much!
All of us look forward to seeing you at the events very much!