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“Taste of Africa” Saturday Kids Club

Delivered by Mbilla Arts

‘Taste of Africa’ Saturday Kids Club is a free programme for children and families in Waltham Forest run by Mbilla Arts who specialise in African arts. Sessions offer workshops in African drumming, singing and movement for children of different ages and learning abilities.

Foundation for Future London supported Mbilla Arts to deliver this brand-new programme of work as part of our Foundations grant scheme — a pilot creative placemaking programme aimed at listening and developing people and place-led activity in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

About the project

Throughout November 2019, Mbilla Arts delivered five sessions comprising of four different workshops designed for children with varying ages and needs. Held at Walthamstow-based arts centre Gnome House, sessions also incorporated visual activities such as African mask- making, lantern-making and printmaking delivered in partnership with Inky Cuttlefish Studio. Over 100 adults and children participated in sessions.

To mark the end of the programme, participants were invited back to the Gnome House to join the wider community for the Walthamstow Winter Warmer, a seasonal event filled with festive activities including workshops and performance from Mbilla Arts, carol singing, art exhibitions, film screenings, food and craft beer for adults. Project participants were invited to join a spectacular parade down Walthamstow High Street led by Mbilla Arts dancers and musicians in beautiful West African dress for the Walthamstow High Street ADVENTures event.

Building on the success of the initial programme, Mbilla Arts has secured funding from the L&Q Foundation to deliver more ‘Taste of Africa’ Saturday Kids Club sessions from January to June 2020.

Take part

To find out more about the Mbilla Arts and get involved in future work please visit mbillaarts.co.uk

Part of

Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund

Transforming lives and careers of people in East London

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Supported by

Westfield Stratford City

Westfield Stratford City is London’s most popular shopping destination by footfall, located in London’s fastest growing area

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