The Culture & Library Development Team has had another exceptional year, delivering impactful projects across the borough. By focusing on strategic priorities such as Health & Wellbeing, Reading & Literacy, Diversity & Inclusion, and Digital & Access, the team has connected with residents of all ages. Collaborating with libraries, community groups, council services, local charities, schools, and more, the team delivered an impressive 566 sessions, reaching over 58,600 participants, visitors, and audience members.
Children & Young People Highlights
The Fabula Festival was a standout success. The team partnered with 9 local schools and engaged 452 children through visits from award-winning authors Dean Atta and Trish Cook. The festival’s Families Takeover Day at Redbridge Central Library welcomed 1,070 visitors in July.
The annual Festival of the Dead grew significantly in 2024 thanks to nearly £30,000 in Arts Council England funding. Held at Wanstead and Redbridge Central Libraries, with outdoor spectacles and family-friendly activities, the festival attracted over 7,000 outdoor attendees and 2,500 indoor participants.
Culture Development Achievements
The Culture Development Team secured £38,190 in external funding from Arts Council England and Without Walls NPO to support the Redbridge Outdoor Arts Programme and Community Engagement Projects. This funding enabled:
- 8 outdoor arts events across Barkingside and Ilford, attracting an estimated audience of 5,865 people.
- 34 participatory sessions involving 1,150 participants, and 5 Spectrum Studio sessions for local SEND families with 86 attendees.
- Completion of 18 Discover in a Day Arts Awards.
Schools Library Service Successes
The Schools Library Service had another busy year, with 35 schools subscribing across East London, including 15 in Redbridge. The service celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Redbridge Children’s Book Award (RCBA) in June. The event involved 19 schools and over 300 children who voted for their favorite books and participated in writing competitions, which received 51 poetry entries and 55 short stories.
Awards & Recognition
The Culture and Library Development Team is ending 2024 on a high as winners of the Ilford Business Awards for the ‘Redbridge Art & Culture’ category and as partners in the ‘Redbridge Social Value Award’ for their contribution to Redbridge Central Library.
Redbridge Museum’s Transformation
Redbridge Museum unveiled its stunning new permanent exhibition, created with input from local residents, schools, and community groups. This transformation was made possible through funding from Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and other partners.
Fullwell Cross Library Refurbishment
The iconic Fullwell Cross Library underwent a £400,000 refurbishment, transforming it into a vibrant creative, social, and educational hub. Improvements include:
- A digital makerspace for exploring new technologies.
- Flexible layouts for diverse community uses.
- Renovated library halls to generate income.
- Specialist SEN equipment for children and adults with special needs.
Colours of Redbridge
As the lead consortium member of Colours of Redbridge, funded by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, Vision launched nine diverse summer projects. These included South Asian truck art, kite-making, a cultural food festival, and a fashion runway, drawing over 10,000 attendees. Three projects will expand in 2025. Additionally, Colours of Redbridge trained Community Producers, many of whom have gone on to secure employment or educational opportunities, fostering a more engaged and creative borough.
Looking Ahead
As the year concludes, the Culture & Library Development Team reflects on a year of innovation, collaboration, and community impact, driving Redbridge toward a happier, healthier, and better-connected future.