Redbridge resident Zainab Rehman has been announced as the winner of the Redbridge Design Challenge. The 22-year-old was selected by a panel of six local visual artists and presented with a framed version of her artwork on Saturday, 6th May as part of the King’s coronation event in Ilford.

As well as being part of the iconic ceremony, she will earn over £1,000 and her designs will be used for a new community-led arts programme in Redbridge over the next three years, funded by Arts Council England.

Zainab’s winning entry, entitled ‘Cross Over Redbridge’, reflects the diversity of the borough as well as how local people may interpret arts and culture in their community. The panel said Zainab’s designs were ‘creative, engaging and welcoming as well as reflecting the borough’s diversity.’

There were also two Special Commendations awarded by the judges to Aliza Khan and Lamisa Ahad.

Zainab said: ‘It’s been so enriching to be a part of the Redbridge Design Challenge – not just for the opportunity itself but also being part of the Coronation event and celebrating our diverse community.’

The Redbridge Design Challenge launched in March, and the young people of Redbridge rose to the challenge to develop a name, logo and concept design for the new community-led arts programme. Young people from local schools, colleges, faith groups, youth centres and local businesses all got involved. As well as uncovering a new wave of creative talent, the challenge was all about helping young people develop their design skills.

For anyone in the borough interested in getting involved in community-led arts and culture, please email the team at culture@visionrcl.org.uk with the heading ‘Creative Redbridge’.

About the programme:

Creative Redbridge (working title) is a three-year programme of community-led arts and culture in the borough of Redbridge. It is part of Creative People and Places (CPP), a national programme from Arts Council England, where local people decide what culture happens in their area.

The funding will be used to help people who live, work or learn in Redbridge develop their own creative and cultural projects for everyone to enjoy. That could be anything from festivals and fireworks to beatboxing and Bhangra!

As well as the Arts Council, the programme is supported by the following local organisations: Friends of Loxford; Iford Business Improvement District; Muslimah Sports Association; Redbridge Council for Voluntary Services; SPACE Studios; and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure.