Creative Spaces Symposium 2026: shaping the future of creative space in Newham

Tuesday 3 November 2026 | 9.30am–4.30pm
English National Ballet, London City Island

As Newham continues to grow and change, the places where people come together to create, connect and share culture matter more than ever.

On Tuesday 3 November, Creative Newham’s Creative Spaces Symposium 2026 will bring together artists, cultural organisations, community groups, developers, architects, funders and partners to explore what the future of creative and cultural space in Newham could look like.

Foundation for Future London is proud to be supporting the Symposium and taking part in the conversation, as part of our Westfield Better Futures programme, powered by Westfield Stratford City.

Newham is changing rapidly. New development is bringing new homes, communities and opportunities, while also raising important questions about who gets to shape our neighbourhoods, where culture happens, and how creative spaces can remain accessible, relevant and sustainable.

For us, these are questions that need to be answered with communities, not simply for them.

Creative spaces can be much more than places to make and present work. They can be places where people build relationships, develop skills, share ideas and have a say in the future of their neighbourhoods. They can help communities connect with opportunities and ensure that the benefits of investment and development are felt locally.

The Symposium will create space for honest conversations, practical exchange and new connections between sectors that do not always have the opportunity to sit around the same table.

It is an opportunity to share what is working, learn from different experiences and explore what needs to change to support a thriving, inclusive and sustainable creative ecosystem in Newham.

As a charity working alongside communities, organisations and partners across East London, we know that creating fairer futures takes collaboration. It means listening to local knowledge, bringing different perspectives together and creating the conditions for communities and creative organisations to shape what comes next.

We’re looking forward to being part of this important conversation and exploring how we can work together to create more opportunities for culture, creativity and community-led change in Newham.

Creative Spaces Symposium 2026
Tuesday 3 November 2026, 9.30am–4.30pm
English National Ballet, 41 Hopewell Square, Leamouth Peninsula, London E14 0SY

Find out more and register via Creative Newham: creativenewham.com/creative-newham-symposium-2026