Meet Colours of Redbridge: the community arts
organisation transforming the east end’s local high streets into street parades, disused shopping centre car parks into
theatrical rooftop dinners and using community art as a tool for celebration and connection.
In recent weeks local high streets have been transformed into street parades led by STOMP co-founder Carl Smith and disused shopping centre car parks have been transformed into theatrical rooftop dining feasts with Hackney
School of Food and Punchdrunk Theatre actors.
Now, a bejewelled South Asian ‘art truck’ carrying South Asian dance performances and craft workshops, free for everyone to enjoy is cruising around the streets of East London for the final closing weekend celebration
of this ambitious community arts programme from community arts organisation, Colours of Redbridge.
The colourful South Asian inspired truck art exploring British history and stories of home and identity for many across East London including those from South Asian communities has been brought to life with a series of
fantastic craft workshops led by local East London blacksmith Felicity Jones and performances from South Asian dance schools.
Dubbed “a moving masterpiece” by the locals – this colourful, truck design was inspired by the bright and bold trucks wobbling along the highways of South Asia, covered in metalwork that glitters in the sun and swinging
garlands of pom poms and bells. The drivers, often on the road for long
periods, decorate their vehicles in the ‘Truck Art’ style to remind them of home.
The ‘Home Away From Home’ truck art has been designed by local groups to reflect what home in their London borough of Redbridge means to them, exploring local heritage and identity across East London, Britain and South
Asia. The bespoke, hand crafted artisan panels reflect different themes such
as culture, food, and music – all of which are important to local community members and where they live.
The panels were created in Pakistan by expert truck artist Abid Bhai and brought to life in the UK by local blacksmith, Felicity Jones, who customised the electric van. The project has also been supported by The Leap in
Bradford and local artists Momtaz Begum-Hossain, Sheyamali Sudesh and
light artists Bailes+Light, all overseen by Colours of Redbridge and a group of dedicated Community Producers.
The opening weekend featured craft workshops by acclaimed artist Zareena
Bano and performances from Sri Malleswari Kuchipudi Arts Academy, Beeja
Dance, and Ambassadors of Dhol with further free performances and
workshops for the closing weekend taking place this Saturday 4th October
and Sunday 5th October.
