Hackney's libraries have hosted art installations before, but this initiative marks the first time they will offer paid residencies to artists.
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Hackney’s libraries are being reimagined as vibrant cultural hubs through a new initiative that connects emerging artists with local communities.
The project, Art at Heart, was developed in response to feedback from around 8,500 Hackney residents, who expressed a strong desire for libraries to evolve into dynamic centres of creativity.
This summer, the Art at Heart programme will offer paid residencies to early-career artists, allowing them to collaborate closely with local community groups in libraries across Hackney.
Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Leisure, and Culture, shared with City News, “When we asked residents what they wanted in their local library, they told us they wanted to use these spaces for creative and community activities.”
He added that this was also an attempt to try and modernise libraries: “Initiatives like Art at Heart are part of our vision to ensure the borough’s libraries remain relevant, fit for the modern digital world and accessible to all”
The art will be displayed amongst the books in libraries across Hackney. Source: Ella Snell, Art School Plus Director.
The initiative is a collaborative effort led by Hackney Council in partnership with Art School Plus and funded by Arts Council England.
Luke Burton, Director of Libraries at Arts Council England told City News more about the benefits the programme will bring to the community:
“By integrating artists and communities into the redevelopment of Hackney’s libraries, we’re not only enriching the community’s engagement with the arts but also setting a precedent for how libraries can serve as dynamic centres for creativity.
SHAPE, a disability-led arts organization, will also collaborate with the project. The charity is there to ensure inclusivity, break down cultural barriers, and involve disabled creatives in reimagining libraries.
Award-winning artists like Ingrid Pollard and Olivia Plender will lend their expertise to help integrate art into community spaces.
Speaking to City News after last week’s artist training session, artist-in-residence Maria Than told us that the program is already “defying my own assumption of what a library should be”.
Residents will have the chance to visit their local libraries and participate in the Art at Heart programme towards the end of the summer. Dates and times for the arts activities will be published on Love Hackney’s website.
What do you think about this initiative? Share your thoughts below on how your local library could benefit from similar programs.
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Standfirst
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HeadlineArtists are transforming Hackney Libraries into cultural hubs
Short HeadlineHackney Libraries Leading Cultural Hub Initiative
StandfirstThis summer Hackney’s libraries will be transformed into cultural hubs through a new initiative aimed at integrating artists and communities.
Hackney’s libraries are being reimagined as vibrant cultural hubs through a new initiative that connects emerging artists with local communities.
The project, Art at Heart, was developed in response to feedback from around 8,500 Hackney residents, who expressed a strong desire for libraries to evolve into dynamic centres of creativity.
This summer, the Art at Heart programme will offer paid residencies to early-career artists, allowing them to collaborate closely with local community groups in libraries across Hackney.
Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Leisure, and Culture, shared with City News, “When we asked residents what they wanted in their local library, they told us they wanted to use these spaces for creative and community activities.”
He added that this was also an attempt to try and modernise libraries: “Initiatives like Art at Heart are part of our vision to ensure the borough’s libraries remain relevant, fit for the modern digital world and accessible to all”
The art will be displayed amongst the books in libraries across Hackney. Source: Ella Snell, Art School Plus Director.
The initiative is a collaborative effort led by Hackney Council in partnership with Art School Plus and funded by Arts Council England.
Luke Burton, Director of Libraries at Arts Council England told City News more about the benefits the programme will bring to the community:
“By integrating artists and communities into the redevelopment of Hackney’s libraries, we’re not only enriching the community’s engagement with the arts but also setting a precedent for how libraries can serve as dynamic centres for creativity.
SHAPE, a disability-led arts organization, will also collaborate with the project. The charity is there to ensure inclusivity, break down cultural barriers, and involve disabled creatives in reimagining libraries.
Award-winning artists like Ingrid Pollard and Olivia Plender will lend their expertise to help integrate art into community spaces.
Speaking to City News after last week’s artist training session, artist-in-residence Maria Than told us that the program is already “defying my own assumption of what a library should be”.
Residents will have the chance to visit their local libraries and participate in the Art at Heart programme towards the end of the summer. Dates and times for the arts activities will be published on Love Hackney’s website.
What do you think about this initiative? Share your thoughts below on how your local library could benefit from similar programs.
