Fresh from the Launch

So that's it, Discover Young Hackney '09 has been kicked off in spectacular style by the marvelous Shaw and Edwards, at the Hackney Empire.

The talent poured out of the contestants as they competed in an 'X factor' style talent contest on Friday night, to celebrate the launch of the festival. The night was a sell out and judging by the roars from the crowd everyone had a great night (I know I did!).

Big big big congratulations to the ladies from L'Amour, the all girl winner's who are overflowing with talent. They will be performing live at the Discover Young Hackney close event on 12 March '09 so look out for details of that coming soon. And, just as importantly, a massive thank you to everyone who took to the stage, it's really scary to put yourself out there and I can't thank you enough... without you the show just wouldn't happen.

So, ladies and gentlemen a big hand to Renell Shaw, Mekel Edwards, everyone at Hackney Empire, Kat B, Donna (the seriously seriously good BSL Interpreter!), Rising Tide, Shape, Eastside Educational Trust and all the young reporters from Contrast, Headliners, Social Spider.....

We are very grateful. And this is just the start. Check out all the FREE arts events coming your way over the next 2 months. Scroll down the list to the right for events listed by art form or visit http://www.hackney.gov.uk/dyh to download the full programme.

Read all about it...

Discover Young Hackney’s launch has been covered this week on the front page of Hackney Today – hurray! To read the Hackney Today's issue go to http://www.hackney.gov.uk/w-hackneytoday.htm.

As all of you will already know from following this blog, we have a talent contest and showcase event produced by young people lined up for you next Friday. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, make sure you get down to Hackney Empire’s box office to secure your ticket – in advance priced at £1.50 rather than on the day priced at £4. British Sign Language Interpreted.

The other news is that the publicity banners for the festival have arrived and we have been told by young and old that they look fantastic! A big complement to artist Will Barras, designer Linda Byrne and the young people that have come up with the Discover Young Hackney design.

Look out for the banners displayed on buildings visible across Hackney's streets. Send us comments on this blog to let us know where you found them and what you think about the design!

Check out the I'm In auditions blog on this site for videos with the producers and news on the preparations for the talent contest.

The full DYH '09 programme has arrived! Packed with FREE arts events for you to get involved with throughout February and March '09.

To find out what's on check out the list on the right of this page or you can get a copy of the leaflet from -

• Hackney Council website: www.hackney.gov.uk/dyh.htm
• your local library
• any of the DYH '09 venues that are providing the free activities (call first to check they have some left!)
• schools and colleges
• your very own Cultural Development team, cultural.development@hackney.gov.uk, 020 8356 7209

Use the list on the right, to choose your preferred art form and learn more about the FREE events available to you....

Keep watching each event as we will be uploading photos and videos that will give you a better idea of what they are all about...

Remember, each event has an Access Champion for you to contact if you have any worries or questions about disability access.

FREE Film Event

DISCOVER FILM

Led by Rio Cinema & Chocolate Films

13–15 year olds, Free, book your place

Become a filmmaker overnight. No joke – enrol in this one-day workshop at the Rio Cinema and you get to make your own short movie from start to finish. And, all in just one day. Not sure if you’re ready to be a film maker just yet? Rio cinema screen films from around the world, check out their year round programme for inspiration.

When: Film-making workshop, Saturday 14 March, 10am–6.30pm
Where: Rio Cinema, 107 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, E8 2PB
Phone: Audience Development Officer, 020 7241 9410

Web: www.riocinema.org.uk / www.chocolatefilms.com

Access Champion: Jemma Buckley, j.buckley@riocinema.org.uk, 020 7241 9419

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

FREE Digital Media Events

LONDSTALLATION: A DIGITAL GRAFFITI CHRONICLE

Led by Iniva

15–19 year olds

Free, book your place at bookings@rivingtonplace.org

Come mash up, create and leave your mark. Learn and use new digital audio and visual techniques to create a digital portrait showing who you are as a citizen of London, with artists Larry Achiampong and Obinna Nwosu. Projects will be showcased at nearby Café Latiri.

When: Audio Taggin’, Saturday 21 February, 1–5pm
Visual Verbal Freestyln’, Saturday 28 February, 1–5pm
Showcase, Saturday 7 March, 1–5pm
Where: Iniva, Rivington Place, EC2A 3BA
Phone: 020 7729 9616
Web: www.iniva.org

Access Champion: Teresa Cisneros – Ledda, t.ledda@iniva.org, 020 7729 9616

This is what the building looks like in case you get lost on your way

Web: http://www.iniva.org/

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

Iniva Video

A sneak preview of life at Iniva....



Like what you see? Check out their DYH '09 event information above.

FREE Fashion Events

Design, Make, Illustrate

LED BY London College of Fashion

11–19 year olds, Free, book your place early

Think everyone else’s fashion ideas are just not cutting it? Now’s your chance to make your mark with this taster course.

When: Saturday 21 February 2009, 10am–4pm
Where: London College of Fashion, 182 Mare Street, E8 3RE
Phone: 020 7514 8653
Web: www.fashion.arts.ac.uk

Access Champion: Michele Buchanan, m.buchanan@fashion.arts.ac.uk, 020 7514 8653

Web: www.fashion.arts.ac.uk

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

London College of Fashion Video

Wanna be a fashion designer? Here's a sneak preview of what London College of Fashion has in store for you...




Like what you see? Check out LCF's event details above and book your place on the course.

FREE Music Events

WET SOUNDS

Led by Newtoy

11-19 year olds, Free

Did you know that sound travels four times faster in water than in air? Immerse yourself in Clissold Leisure Centre’s special pool and discover what music, cinematic soundscapes and other noises sound like underwater.

For a chance to hear your favourite sounds played underwater email your three top songs to wetsounds@newtoy.com by 13 February.

Listen to Banbury Banter Theatre Company’s underwater play, Atlantis, presented at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm.

When: Friday 20 February, 10.30am–2.00pm
Where: Clissold Leisure Centre, 63 Clissold Road, N16 9EX
Phone: For info on the event contact Kate on 020 8356 7209, for directions call Clissold leisure centre on 020 7254 5574
Web: www.newtoy.org/wetsounds

Access Champion: Kate Sullivan, kate.sullivan@hackney.gov.uk, 020 8356 7209

PATHS TO LIBERATION

Led by Grand Union Orchestra

11 – 19 year olds, Free but please BOOK!

Grand Union is producing its latest flagship participatory show, ‘On Liberation Street’. Come and develop your skills in a broad range of world and jazz music and production.

When: Vocal workshops, Saturday 28th February 2009. 10am – 12pm
Where: Ocean, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE
When: Saturday 28th February 2009. 1pm - 3.30pm. All instruments welcome
Where: Shoreditch Community School, Whitmore IT Centre, 51 Garange St, Bridport Place, N1 5JN
Phone: 020 7375 1122
Web: www.grandunion.org.uk

Access Champion: Alison Jones, mail@grandunion.org.uk, 020 7375 1122

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

FREE Visual Arts Events

STREET ART

Led by SkyWay

Free, plus refunded travel expenses (up to ₤3.50)

Here’s your chance to learn street art in a totally legal environment. Pick up new skills from one of Hackney’s best graffiti artists, and help to touch up a disused urban outdoor space while you’re at it. If you prefer, you can just come and watch.

When: Saturdays from 14 February to 14 March, 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm
Where: Basketball Court, St Lawrence Court, Downham Road, N1 5TR
Phone: 020 7102 1677
Web: www.skyway.uk.com

Access Champion: Danny, danny@skyway.uk.com, 020 7729 6970

COMIC AND MANGA DESIGN

13 - 16 year olds, Free

RAP - RHYTHM AND WORD

11 - 14 year olds, Free

Led by Eastside Educational Trust

Wanted: young people with an interest in rap lyrics and manga comics. Create audio-visual works of art that will be showcased at local events. Explore your creative skills in rhythm and spoken word, storyboarding and design.

When: Comic And Manga Design, Tuesday 17 February, Rap - Rhythm And Word. Wednesday 18 February, 10am–4pm
Where: Suite 16, Perseverance Works, 37 Hackney Road, E2 7NX
Phone: 020 7033 2380
Web: www.eastside.org.uk

Access Champion: Jane Duncan-Ribeiro, jane@eastside.org.uk, 020 7033 2387

STORIES OF A LONDON TOWNSHIP: WORKSHOP FOR DEAF YOUNG PEOPLE

Led by SPACE

11 – 19 year-olds, Free, book your place at fifi@spacestudios.org.uk, BSL Interpreted.

Visit the exhibition at SPACE with Deaf artist Matt Jenkins. Meet Godfried Donkor, the artist who built the Mud Hut. Make your own dwelling, den or shelter with the artists. Lunch provided.

When: Wednesday 25 February, 11am to 5pm
Where: SPACE, 129 – 131 Mare Street,London, E8 3RH
Phone: 020 8525 4347 (Txt 07957 166 512)
Web: www.spacestudios.org.uk

Access champion: Fiona Fieber, fifi@spacestudios.org.uk, 020 8525 4347

STORIES OF A LONDON TOWNSHIP: MUD HUT DAY

Led by SPACE

11 – 19 year-olds, Free, just turn up, BSL interpreted

The African heartland comes to East London. Meet the artist Godfried Donkor and build your own dwelling, den or shelter together. Plus storytelling, music and food laid on in Hackney’s first ever mud hut.

When: Saturday 28 February, 11am – 6pm
Where: SPACE, 129 – 131 Mare Street,London, E8 3RH
Phone: 020 8525 4330 or 0208 525 4347
Web: www.spacestudios.org.uk

Access champion: Fiona Fieber, fifi@spacestudios.org.uk, 020 8525 4347

Watch out for STORIES OF A LONDON TOWNSHIP: BUILDING WEEK, taking place Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 February after school, contact Space for more information.

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

FREE Theatre and Drama Events

TELLING THE STORY – IN MUSIC AND IMAGES

Led by Immediate Theatre

11–18 year olds, Free

Youth arts workshops that will build up to a public performance finale. Explore your creativity with international artists from India and Japan in theatre design and music workshops.

When: Telling the Story – in Music, Monday 16 February, 3pm – 6pm
Telling the Story – in Images, Tuesday 17 February, 3pm – 6pm
Public performance, Friday 20 February 2009, 4 – 5.30pm
Where: Robin Redmond Resource Centre, 440 Seven Sisters Road, London, N4 2RD
Phone: 020 7102 1677
Web: www.immediate-theatre.com

Access Champion: Tony Gouveia, tony@immediate-theatre.com, 020 7102 1677

DISCOVER ARCOLA!

Led by Arcola Theatre

12–19 year olds, Free (plus one free ticket for selected Spring shows), Call to book, or just turn up.

Don’t dream about a life in showbiz – get out there and do it!

When: Wednesday 18 February, 5–7pm; Friday 27 February, 5–7pm; Saturday 7 March, 2–4pm NEW DATES ANNOUNCED!*
Where: Arcola Theatre, 27 Arcola Street, Dalston, London, E8 2DJ
Phone: 020 7503 1646
Web: http://www.arcolatheatre.com/

Access Champion: Owen Calvert-Lyons, owen@arcolatheatre.com, 020 7503 1646

* CHECK OUT NEW POST FROM MON 16 FEB FOR MORE ARCOLA THEATRE DATES AND ACTIVITIES

PLAY IN A DAY TASTER WORKSHOP

Led by Hackney Shed

11–17 year olds, Free but please book with Sarah Schofield

Our team of professional directors, actors and musicians are aiming to create a piece of theatre and perform it live in just one day. And they need your help to do it!

When: Thursday 19 February, workshop, 10am–5pm; performance, 5.30–6pm
Where: Brooke House, B6 Sixth Form College, Kenninghall Road, E5 8BP
Phone: 07950 838 238

Access Champion: Sarah Schofield, hackneyshed@yahoo.co.uk, 07950 838 238

VERBALISE

Led by Elevate

13–19 years olds, Free, book your place with Simon 0207 0172039 or Tania 07872 675569

Like a bit of a drama? Got something to say? Why not try Elevate’s weekend workshop in verbatim theatre.

When: Workshops, Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, 11am–5pm Performance, Sunday 1 March 5–6pm.
Where: Lea View Community Centre, Springfield Road, E5 9DX
Phone: Simon, 020 7017 2039
Web: www.elevateuk.org

Access Champion: Tania de St Croix, 07872 675 569, tania@elevateuk.org

Dubplate drama

Led by The Bridge

11–19 year olds, No need to book, arrive on time, Free

An exclusive chance to meet the cast and executives of Dubplate Drama, an interactive youth teen show aired on Channel 4, MTV and E4. Learn the crafts of camera, lighting, sound, directing, screenwriting, editing, producing and storyboarding. You can even cast for the next series of the show!

When: Tuesday 19 February, 1pm–4pm
Where: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, Hackney, E1 1EJ
Phone: 0208 279 1923
Website: www.dubplatedrama.tv / www.thebridge.co.uk

Access Champion: Liz Holder, 0208 510 4518, liz.holder@hackneyempire.co.uk

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

Hackney Shed

Elevate Video

Like what you see? Take a look at Elevate's DYH '09 event in the post above to see how you can get involved...

FREE Dance Events

SEMAH DANCING

Led by Alevi Cultural Centre and Cemevi

6-20 year olds, Free, No need to book, just turn up

Take your body, mind and spirit on a journey of discovery as you learn the mesmerising tradition of Semah dancing, a 700-year old Turkish ritual.

When: 10–14 year olds: Tuesday 17 & 24 February and Tuesday 3 & 10 March, 5–7pm
6-9 year olds: Saturday 21 & 28 February and Saturday 7 & 14 March, 11am – 2pm
15–20 year olds: Saturday 21 & 28 February and Saturday 7 & 14 March, 7–9pm
Where: Alevi Cultural Centre and Cemevi, 89 Ridley Road, E8 2NH
Phone: Yashar Ismailoglu, 020 7241 6285 or 020 7241 6950

Access champion: Kate Sullivan, kate.sullivan@hackney.gov.uk, 020 8356 7209

This is what the Alevi Cultural Centre & Cemevi looks like from the outside in case you have trouble finding it:

BAAJO (‘Come and dance’)

Led by Gahu Dramatic Arts

Free, book your place with Florence Lamptey

Combine fancy footwork, catchy rhythms and storytelling. In this Gahu Dramatic Arts workshop on African-Caribbean culture, master drummers will teach you a range of African instruments while storytellers explain their spoken tradition.

When: Friday 20 February 2009, 12pm– 6pm
Where: Trinity Centre, Beechwood Road, London, E8 3DY
Phone: Call 07534 505 756 to book, call 020 7249 6061 for venue directions Web: www.gahudramatic.com
Access Champion: Kate Sullivan, kate.sullivan@hackney.gov.uk, 020 8356 7209

I LOVE DANCE WEEKENDER

Led by East London Dance , 11–19 year olds, Free

Come along to a weekend of free dance and acrobatics classes led by Hackney's professional companies Avant Garde Dance and Mimbre.

When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March, 11am - 5pm Where: Queensbridge Sports & Community Centre, Community Hall, 30 Holly Street, London E8 3XW Phone: East London Dance on 020 8279 1050
Web: www.eastlondondance.org
Access Champion: Kate Sullivan, kate.sullivan@hackney.gov.uk, 020 8356 7209

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

FREE Media Events

PROMOTE YOURSELF IN THE MEDIA

Led by Point Blank, 11–19 year olds, Free, no need to book but please arrive on time

So you wanna be famous? In this day and age, that means you’ll need to learn how to play the media and promote your very own ‘X factor’. Point Blank are offering a rare insight into how the industry works to help budding artists find a path to success in their chosen field, with expert tutors, Q&A sessions and one-to-one mentoring. A celebrity guest too!

When: Saturday 14 February, 11am - 5pm

Where: Stewart Hall, Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH

Phone: 020 7729 4884 for information on the event or 020 7684 0060 for directions

Web: http://www.pointblanklearning.com/

Access Champion: Jeni Gordon, jeni@pointblanklondon.com, 020 7729 4884

DYH HAS LOADS OF OTHER FREE EVENTS TOO! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME OR USE THE LINKS TO THE RIGHT TO FIND EVENTS BY GENRE ie. fashion, visual arts, music etc.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EVENT – click on the green comments button below (we know it’s very small and we are working on this!)

I'm In Auditions - this is my time

Live from the Hackney Empire....? OK so reporting live from the 'Im In' auditions (as I promised to do) didn't happen. I had a technical hitch with my wireless! However that probably works out better for you as now you can see my edited down best bits... well I say edited... I'm no film maker or technical genius but I've tried (and at DYH that's all that matters).

I promised I'd clear the footage with everyone I filmed before I posted it so for now you'll have to make do with a sneak preview and my amateur attempt at protecting identities ...!

A note from one of the judges, Rosheena, on what it was like to sit on the panel:

Judging the auditions on Saturday 10th January for the launch show was really great. It was awesome that all of the young ambassadors like me were able to help out the show’s organisers Mekel and Renell to pick the five singers who will be singing in the launch show. It was a great sight to see that so much young people turned up for the auditions.
There is so much talent in Hackney that it is such a shame to see that the talent is never appreciated or recognised. We as young people tend to doubt our worth but in reality we are worth more than we really know.
If the auditions were such a success I can’t wait till the launch show to see and show the rest of Hackney the talent that is produced in this borough by its young people. Big congratulations to the five singers who made it into the launch show.

For more details on the DYH '09 x factor style talent contest pick up a programme at your local library, email cultural.development@hackney.gov.uk or visit http://www.hackney.gov.uk/dyh-09-flyer.pdf.