Applecart Arts, Newham’s community-based non-profit arts and creatives organisation, is on the move. The theatre and café which is currently based in E13 will be the imposing Passmore Edwards Library and former Registry Office in Plashet Grove.

As part of the move, Applecart Arts is carrying out a public consultation to ensure that the new centre caters for local residents and provides creative activities and artistic ideas that the community wants.

When the Passmore Edwards switch is made the building will reopen to the public as a Community Art Centre with fully equipped theatres and performance spaces, public meeting/workshop spaces, artists’ studios, an exhibition space and a community café.

The consultation is part of the Applecart Arts vision of creative work that has the power to challenge, change and strengthen communities and will reach across cultural divides. The aim will be to provide a welcoming space where people can feel confident engag- ing in artistic pursuits and sharing their stories.

At the same time in the autumn the organisation will be co-curating Newham Unlocked Festival out of the neighbouring Plashet Park.

People who wish to take part in the consultation on how to use the Passmore Edwards space and the kind of events they would like to at the festival should use the Google form here.

Historical note: the Applecart Arts new venue is named after John Passmore Edwards. He was a 19th Century MP, former newspaper publisher and philanthropist who shaped the cultural development of poorer areas of London with his generosity and over 14 years managed to fund 70 major buildings including hospitals and schools.

Applecart Arts: Website, Email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram .

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