A new programme to bring art and culture into social care services is coming to Barking and Dagenham, after New Town Culture launched at Barking Town Hall today (Thursday 28 February).

The three year programme is being made possible through funding from the London Borough of Culture’s Cultural Impact Awards, and is being supported by the Mayor of London, the Serpentine Galleries and the Foundling Museum.

It will bring together social workers and artists, to collaborate on a ground-breaking initiative that aims to embed cultural activity within core social care practice.

This afternoon’s launch event involved speeches from a whole host of guests, including the Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons.

The event was flagged off by Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, while Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, brought proceedings to a close.  

Justine Simons was joined by speakers that included Yana Peel, CEO of the Serpentine Galleries, Hans Ulrich Obrist, the Artistic Director of the Serpentine Galleries and Caro Howell, Director of the Foundling Museum.

"I hope this project will change lives through the power of art"

Reflecting on the launch and the programme, Councillor Rodwell said:

“I am delighted to see New Town Culture launch in our borough. I cannot overstate what a fantastic opportunity this is, when it comes to engaging and empowering some of the most vulnerable people in Barking and Dagenham through the arts.

“I hope this project will change lives through the power of art, and it is really exciting to get a chance to work so closely with artistic institutions as significant as the Serpentine Galleries and the Foundling Museum.”

New Town Culture will include a new series of Radio Ballads for the 21st Century, and ‘In Your Time’ - a major new programme to explore how artistic and cultural experiences can enhance social care services and support the needs of young people in care.

Goldsmiths University London will also be working with the council to develop new training for social workers, to enable them to deploy creative approaches in their work.

Please visit the New Town Culture website for more information.