Youth Art Platforms Project

Tender description

The population of Barking and Dagenham is larger, more diverse and more transient than ever before. As a borough, we know that there is more that unites than divides us, and that with diversity comes growth, creativity and strength. However, the scale and pace of change have the potential to loosen the bonds that keep us together, and to undermine our sense of belonging. Arising from the Growth Commission recommendations in 2016, The Barking and Dagenham Together; Borough Manifesto was developed in consultation with almost 3,000 residents. The outcome was clear: people want “a friendly and welcoming Borough with strong community spirit.” Central to building and embedding this culture are the boroughs young people. With 0-15year olds comprising 27% of the boroughs population, compared to 13% across London and 19% nationally. As part of a bid for funding from MHCLG, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has been awarded significant funding to deliver a Connected Communities programme across Barking and Dagenham. This will support activities aimed at amplifying unheard voices and enhancing social networks – in particular across faith, youth and disengaged groups. This tender is for a project which will create a vibrant youth led arts commissioning platform, supported by one or more local arts organisations in Barking and Dagenham. The local arts organisation will engage young people in the development of a One Borough Arts programme, which will include a bold outdoor arts piece and a large-scale youth participation and arts programme around themes emerging from unheard voices in Barking and Dagenham.