Launching ‘The Story So Far’
Do you want to find out about the amazing arts and culture in Ealing? Then why not come along to the launch of The Story So Far on Saturday 31 January? It will be a fun-filled, jam-packed day of arts, music, dance, crafts, and storytelling.
Funded by Arts Council England the project is the first of its kind and will be bringing together and connecting the many creative organisations and individuals in Ealing under the umbrella of The Story So Far. It is a partnership between Ealing Council, Cultural Community Solutions Libraries, Acton Arts Forum and the local arts sector, and will link arts and literary venues and activities from one end of Ealing to the other.
The first of two launch events will be taking place at the Dominion Centre and Library in Southall on Saturday 31st January from 11am. The second will be at Acton Library, in the Everyone Active Acton Centre, on Saturday 7th February from 11am. Both events are free and everyone is welcome (no tickets required).
Rachel Pepper, project co-ordinator, said: “The launches promise to be a great way to start The Story So Far, bringing literary, visual and performing arts together in the two new library spaces. There has already been a great deal of interest in the project and these events will give a flavour of what is to follow.” (Acton Arts Forum)
The day will kick off with explosive beats from Dhol2Dhol Indian dhol drummers; mesmerising performances from The Refügees Sufi-Jazz musicians; and a special appearance from WAPPY Young Poets who recently worked with Benjamin Zephaniah. There will also be showcases from Stories in the Street; Ealing Chinese Mandarin School performance; Society Dance, Shavanarthanalayan Indian dance; Afghan Academy performance; Pitshanger Poets; Kathakali Dancers youth dancers; Constellations poetry and Vishvam Tabla.
As well as the amazing performances for you to watch and enjoy you can also explore your creative side at a variety of taster sessions and workshops, including playwriting with OPEN Ealing, postcard making with Gunnersbury Museum, ARK’s Arabic calligraphy, weaving and tapestry with Aruna Reddy, badge making, ‘Anthropomorphic: when humans go wild’ taster and more.
Join popular storyteller and musician Richard Neville, who will bring the library alive with his passionate storytelling for children and their families. Meet the friendly library staff who can sign you up to the library today for free, you can even choose out of a variety of magical illustrative library cards by Jackie Morris to take away with you.
There will be lots of stalls where you can find out more and get involved with some of Ealing’s arts and cultural activities. Some of the artists and arts organisations taking part include the ARK, Pitshanger Pop Up, University of West London creative arts, Ealing Autumn Festival, 40:20 Art Group, I Goddess Creation, Pitshanger Poets & book sales, Carl Gabriel carnival art, W3 gallery, Westside Radio, W5 productions, Zaid art, A&A Photography, Acton Muslim Walks, South Acton Imagination Library, artist & film maker Alison Lumb and APPLE arts.
There will be a programme of activities, events, workshops and performances from February with something for everyone. Check The Story So Far website, Facebook, and Twitter pages and sign up for the newsletter for the latest updates, or email ssf@actonartsforum.org
We welcome you to join us for a whole day of fun, free arts activities for all!