Threads of Change Weave a New Story

Quote of the Week - “A flower blossoms for its own joy” - Oscar Wilde

Good Afternoon, London. As you tuck into chocolate eggs or gather with loved ones, browse The London Palette to discover how artists, designers, and innovators are stitching together new beginnings. Ranging from upcycled runway shows in Tooting to the V&A’s creative business hub in Stratford and a jazz and dance collaboration inspired by Charles Mingus. Happy Easter! Enjoy your mini-break and don’t forget to include relaxation and inspiration that allow you to blossom. Take a hint from the Balinese word of the week.

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. Walk the Runway in Tooting

2. Ilford Mural Weaves Communities Together

3. Sip on a Tonic of Jazz and Dance at The Barbican

4. Live Music - House Gospel Choir, Liane Carroll & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

The Weaver Mural Threads Ilford’s Past and Future

On the Mount Pleasant estate in Ilford, a new mural called The Weaver has transformed a blank wall into a vibrant tapestry celebrating the textile legacy of Ilford Lane. Like a loom gathering many threads to create a single, resilient fabric, this project intertwines the stories of local residents both past and present. Their creation is a visual narrative that honours the area’s rich multicultural history and enduring spirit.

Ilford Lane has long been the heart of London’s South Asian bridal and formalwear trade, and its textile shops are woven into the daily life of the community. The mural also nods to the unsung heroines of the rag trade, the migrant women. Through sewing garments at home for major retailers, they found financial independence and a sense of belonging in a new country.

The metaphor of weaving runs deep in this project, echoing universal mythologies where the weaver shapes destinies. Whether it’s the Greek Fates or the South Asian traditions where weaving symbolises the unfolding of reality itself. Here, the artist Shauna Anseo reimagines the weaver not as a distant goddess but as an ordinary woman, a living vessel for the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Ilford’s diverse communities.

This artwork is more than a static tribute, it really is the product of genuine community collaboration. Through workshops led by Shauna at Redbridge Central Library, residents contributed stories, memories, and creative ideas, ensuring the mural truly reflects the lived experience of Ilford Lane. The result is a public artwork that not only beautifies the estate but also strengthens local identity and pride.

The Weaver mural is a model for local community based regeneration that goes beyond physical improvements. By including the cultural and economic contributions of Ilford’s textile trade, it supports Redbridge Council’s broader strategy of celebrating diversity, fostering social cohesion, and encouraging local enterprise. It shows how creativity when rooted in authentic community engagement can stitch together the social fabric of an area. This leads to making it more resilient and inclusive.

In a time when many high streets face uncertainty, The Weaver stands as a colourful reminder that Ilford’s future, like its past, is made stronger by the threads of many lives woven together. As the mural catches the eye of passersby, it invites everyone to see themselves as part of Ilford’s ongoing story. One where every thread matters, and the tapestry is always in the making.

CITY PALETTE

Charles Mingus Turns Jazz into a Dance Party

Imagine standing on the Barbican stage as Charles Mingus' revolutionary compositions swirl around you, with dancers weaving through the crowd inches away. This is exactly what awaits you when Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra return with their thrilling interpretation of The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady, from April 17-19.

After sold-out performances in 2023, this production transforms the traditional theatre experience by turning the Barbican into a rainbow cabaret venue where you share the floor with performers. BBC Radio London's Robert Elms called it "incredible," while The Stage described it as "joyous... a tonic for the soul."

As you sip on this tonic, the stage becomes your playground. Dancers from Clod Ensemble and Rambert School students will entertain you as they deliver choreographed sequences alongside improvised passages. MOBO-nominated Peter Edwards leads the Orchestra through Charles' structured compositions that dissolve into collective improvisation. You can lose yourself on the dancefloor or observe with a drink from the onstage bar.

Beyond Charles' 1963 masterpiece, you'll discover three new arrangements created for this production by Romarna Campbell, Peter Edwards, and Paul Clark. This 1he show runs for nearly two hours and offers you a perfect balance of heritage and innovation, honouring Charles' vision while expanding it for new audiences. This is a stunning celebration of jazz that proves our cultural institutions continue transforming classics so they’re relevant today.

Book tickets here - https://www.barbican.org.uk

Words Weave Magic in Fleet Street's Revolution

Have you ever wondered what happens when the historic heart of British journalism transforms into a literary playground? Meet, the inaugural Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words. It takes place from May 14 - 17. Instead of finding streets that were once home to the nation's newspaper industry buzz, you’ll find Booker Prize winners, investigative journalists, and cultural leading lights. This celebration reimagines Fleet Street's publishing heritage with over 40 events spanning fiction, journalism, screenwriting, and family activities.

Your festival journey might begin with breakfast alongside journalists from The Guardian or The Times dissecting headlines over coffee. By lunch, you could be listening to Ben Okri discuss his new novella or watching Kate Mosse reflect on the Women's Prize's 30th anniversary. The schedule accommodates London's working rhythm with events during breakfast, lunch hours, and evenings. And on Saturday there will be activities for all ages, including setting your own Guinness World Record with Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday.

The festival examines the evolving power of words through panels on censorship, freedom of speech, and AI's impact. You'll hear from experts like Beeban Kidron on artificial intelligence and investigative journalists revealing the power of long-form reporting. If you’re a fiction lover, enjoy Jeremy Vine as he presents his crime series alongside Simon Mayo discussing his thriller. And Mick Herron and Ed Docx offer perspectives on adapting books for television. This celebration invites you to experience what Festival Director Damian Collins calls "the spirit of Fleet Street as a place of news, ideas and stories that move people."

Book tickets here - https://www.fleetstreetquarter.co.uk

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Sasmita Sets the Barbican Ablaze with Feminist Fire

Step into a world where headless women grasp their severed heads amid feather-like flames at the Barbican's Curve gallery. Indonesian artist Citra Sasmita's Into Eternal Land transforms the 90-metre space into a journey through ancestral memory and feminist resistance that challenges traditional Balinese art. Running until April 21, this free exhibition marks Citra's first UK solo show, showcasing how she reclaims male-dominated Kamasan painting techniques to centre women in mythological storytelling.

Just like a theatrical production the exhibition unfolds with a prologue, three acts, and epilogue. In the prologue, you’ll see beaded cow hides hanging from wooden pillars like divine arrows. In the first act, four scrolls depict a Boschian bacchanalia of nude women with flowing black hair surrounded by fire. They challenge fixed ideas about gender roles and power hierarchies.

This exhibition confronts Bali's colonial history and Dutch cultural extraction. Citra explains, "The objects and manuscripts taken from Indonesia by Dutch colonisers are the foundation of my research." She uses historical gaps to explore limitless possibilities in reinterpreting her heritage. Act Three's embroidered canvases, created with women from West Bali, showcase rainbow-coloured flames surrounding snakes and flowering trees.

Your journey concludes with scenes from Citra's story surrounded by golden ribbons above a turmeric circle inscribed with a prayer. As ambient music fills the space, you're invited to meditate on this final artwork. So, this thought-provoking exhibition, grounded in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, offers a powerful lens to consider our relationship with nature and post-patriarchal possibilities.

Find out more here - https://www.barbican.org.uk

LONDON BUZZ

Cast-Offs to Catwalk as Tooting Leads Fashion Uprising

On June 15, The Bedford in Tooting transforms into a catwalk where upcycled fashion takes centre stage at the Remaykit Fashion Show, a highlight of this year’s Wandsworth Arts Fringe. Models will strut in outfits crafted from what was once destined for landfill. Think jackets from old sweaters and gowns made from discarded bedsheets, prove that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Remaykit’s grassroots spirit is its biggest secret. Instead of big-name designers, you’ll find neighbours, knitting circles, and creative teens turning cast-offs into couture. “Sustainable fashion isn’t just for the elite,” says organiser Sarah Thompson, “it’s for anyone willing to see old clothes in a new way.” With Londoners throwing away 37kg of clothing each year and 300,000 tonnes ending up in UK landfills.

Beyond the environmental impact, Remaykit is fostering a sense of community. “I've met so many amazing people through this project,” shares Aisha Patel, a first-time participant. “We're not just saving clothes from the bin, we're building friendships and learning new skills.” The show has sparked a series of upcycling workshops throughout Tooting, with local charity shops reporting a surge in people buying clothes specifically to remake.

Remaykit’s impact is real. Last year’s event featured 50 upcycled outfits and drew over 300 attendees, and the numbers are set to double this year. As you watch reimagined garments glide down the runway, you might just start seeing your own wardrobe. That old pair of jeans? Maybe they're destined to be a chic new tote bag. Those faded curtains? Perhaps they're tomorrow's statement coat. It’s time to see the future of fashion, in a whole new light.

Find out more here - https://remaykit.org

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Barbican Centre - April 26

In just over a week’s time the Barbican hosts Charlie Cunningham with his blend of nylon-string excellence and poignant lyricism. He’s supported by Welsh triple harpist Cerys Hafana. Charlie, whose fanbase has earned him over half a billion streams will showcase his catalogue alongside his new single Happening Lately, signaling a return to acoustic guitar from his recent piano-focused work. Before he takes the stage, Cerys will tantalise you with her traditional folk melodies on the Welsh triple harp. You’ll enjoy this musical contrast between Charlie’s intimate guitar work alongside Cery's boundary-pushing folk innovations.

Book tickets here - https://www.barbican.org.uk

Green Note - April 22

Don't miss your chance to experience one of Britain's most versatile blues talents when Marcus Bonfanti brings his powerful vocals and distinctive guitar style to Green Note’s Basement Bar. Marcus is described by The Guardian as "the next British blues guitar hero," and has built an impressive career spanning both solo work and high-profile collaborations. Beyond fronting legendary rock band Ten Years After for a decade, Marcus has led The Ronnie Scott's Blues Explosion for fifteen years and shared stages with icons like Eric Clapton. His performance promises an intimate journey through rhythm and blues. Enjoy this masterclass in musical craftmanship.

Book tickets here - https://www.greennote.co.uk

Hampton Court Palace - June 18

The Chicago Queen and ten-time Grammy winner, Chaka Khan brings her extraordinary five-decade musical legacy to Hampton Court Palace Festival. The iconic vocalist will perform in the intimate Base Court setting with just 3,000 seats available. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you can experience Chaka's genre-spanning artistry against the stunning backdrop of Tudor history, Why not elevate your experience with an exclusive VIP package that includes a champagne reception and three-course dining in the historic State Apartments. While you sip and tuck in to delicious food, enjoy classics like, I’m Every Woman, Ain’t Nobody and Through the Fire.

Book tickets here - https://hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

Hootananny - April 23

If you’re a Kendrick Lamar fan, then head to Brixton and enjoy a landmark celebration when The Hip Hip Cover Band pays tribute to the 10th anniversary of Kendrick’s revolutionary album To Pimp A Butterfly. This legendary Brixton venue provides the perfect backdrop for reimagining Kendricks's genre-defying jazz-rap opus that changed the landscape of hip-hop. You’ll experience live renditions of tracks like King Kunta, Alright, and The Blacker The Berry. These songs seamlessly blend jazz, funk, soul and spoken word with politically charged lyrics that remain as relevant today as they were a decade ago.

Book tickets here - https://hootanannybrixton.co.uk

02 London Arena - June 1

Mark your calendar as 13-time Grammy Award winner John Legend brings his Get Lifted 20th Anniversary World Tour to the O2 Arena. This highly anticipated show celebrates two decades since John's groundbreaking debut album that introduced his distinctive blend of R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop to the world. During the show John will perform the entirety of Get Lifted, including the double-platinum hit Ordinary People, alongside some of your favourites like Used to Love U, Number One, and So High. Plus other career-spanning hits that showcase his musical depth and storytelling.

Book tickets here - https://www.theo2.co.uk

Piano Lounge - April 18

Join Spanish-Brazilian duo Selva Kalú and Jonas Dantas on Friday, for an intimate evening of cross-cultural musical magic. This Lisbon-based pair brings rare chemistry to the stage. Selva's stunning vocals intertwine with Jonas' masterful instrumentation to create a sound that transcends traditional boundaries. Their performance promises a rich tapestry of jazz, boleros, bossa nova, and original compositions that showcase their unique musical perspective. Whether you appreciate Latin music or simply enjoy exceptional musicianship, this evening offers a perfect chance to discover melodies that you’ll add to your playlist.

Book tickets here - https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com

606 Club - April 20

If you want to want to be serenaded on Easter Sunday then head to Chelsea to take in the sounds of award-winning jazz vocalist and pianist Liane Carroll. This remarkable performer, the first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year as Best Vocalist and Best of Jazz, has established herself as one of Britain's most emotionally powerful musicians. Liane’s impressive career spans collaborations with Paul McCartney, Gerry Rafferty, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Her powerful exceptional piano skills, and infectious material have earned her numerous accolades, including Parliamentary Jazz Awards' Musician of the Year. Bask in Liane’s perfect blend of technical brilliance, blues-tinged voice and emotional depth, all delivered with her trademark wicked sense of humour.

Book tickets here - https://www.606club.co.uk

Soul Mama - April 20

Here’s to a night of electrifying gospel music when the House Gospel Choir brings their unique fusion of spirituality and euphoria to Soul Mama's brunch experience. Founded by Natalie Maddix in 2014, this collective has grown from twelve members at their Glastonbury debut to over 150 vocalists from diverse backgrounds, creating what Frankie Knuckles described as “church for people that have fallen from grace.” Their performance will transform Soul Mama into a celebration where gospel harmonies meet house beats and garage classics. They continue their decade-long mission of building community through music. There are two shows at 12pm and 3.30pm, so make sure to secure you tickets today.

Book tickets here - https://www.soulmama.co.uk

Southbank Centre - June 21

You won't want to miss Grammy-winning virtuoso Jon Batiste as he takes the stage at Royal Festival Hall on the longest night of the year. Jon forms part of Little Simz's curated Meltdown 2025 Festival. This show marks Jon's return to London after a six-year absence, and he brings his boundary-breaking blend of musical styles. You'll be captivated by his remarkable versatility as he delivers performances that include jazz, classical, soul, R&B, and pop. Jon describes his concerts as “a fluid, improvisational experience that’s a spiritual practice”. With his prowess across piano, melodica, guitar, and saxophone, you can expect both original masterpieces and reinterpretations delivered with his signature charismatic energy.

Book tickets here - https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field - April 19

Once again, the Crypt beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields plays host to Major Tones Music and Entertainment's acclaimed Motown Nights series. This enchanting musical journey invites you to immerse yourself in the nostalgic allure of Motown's golden era through the talents of some of the UK's most exceptional musicians and vocalists. These performers bring to life timeless classics from iconic artists including the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Temptations. This exhilarating live rendition offers you a perfect Saturday night experience in one of London's most distinctive venues.

Book tickets here - https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

The Jazz Cafe - April 21

If you want to rejoice in Who Is Jill Scott? Revisited head to Camden to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jill's groundbreaking debut album. Following January's sold-out show, this encore brings together London's finest musicians to perform the influential album in its entirety, alongside other favourites. From the soulful A Long Walk to the assertive Gettin' In The Way, you’ll experience this landmark release that helped revitalise R&B and established Jill as a defining voice in neo-soul. This tribute celebrates an album that continues to influence artists across multiple genres 25 years after its release.

Book tickets here - https://thejazzcafelondon.com

The London Palladium - April 21

The legendary Roger Daltrey takes centre stage when he brings his solo tour to central London, As a rock fan you know that The Who's iconic frontman will deliver an evening balancing nostalgia with revelation. Also, sharing classic Who songs in acoustic and semi-acoustic arrangements alongside highlights from his solo career spanning nearly five decades. If you’re lucky to get a ticket you’ll enjoy a special Q&A session, where Roger will answer your questions. You’ll revel in the rare insights into his career that began with The Who in 1964. Roger will be accompanied by a stellar nine-piece band featuring Simon Townshend on guitar. He’s Pete Townshend’s younger brother.

Book tickets here - https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres

The Pheasantry - April 18 to 20

If you’re ready for a sublime musical experience, then head to Chelsea to soak up the sounds from jazz vocalists Claire Martin OBE and Ian Shaw. They’re sharing Reunited: A Spring Affair, over the Easter weekend. These long-time friends are excited to showcase their chemistry through classic duets spanning jazz, pop, soul, and musical theatre. Their performances blend technical brilliance with genuine warmth. You can expect effortless rapport during fresh interpretations from their recent solo releases, Claire's Almost In Your Arms and Ian's Greek Street Friday.

Book tickets here - https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com

BUSINESS SCENE

Creative Past Meets Your Next Big Idea at V&A East

Imagine walking through the cavernous halls of what was once the London 2012 Olympics Media Centre. But instead of journalists frantically filing stories, you'd find museum staff meticulously arranging everything from vintage football shirts to Elton John's flamboyant costumes. This isn't just another museum opening, it's the V&A East Storehouse, that’s launching at the end of May. And it's poised to revolutionise how you and your creative business can interact with cultural archives.

What makes this development so significant for your entrepreneurial efforts is its unprecedented Order an Object service. It’s a Netflix-style approach to museum collections that allows you to pre-book items from over 250,000 objects for close examination. This democratisation of access transforms a traditionally academic resource into a practical business tool for you as a designer, entrepreneur, or creative professional.

The implications for London's £58 billion creative industries are huge, with the facility creating over 70 new jobs specifically prioritising residents from the four Olympic boroughs. "This shifts the dial in creating more transparent and personalised experiences," says Tim Reeve, Deputy Director of the V&A. It’s a great example of how the facility bridges cultural preservation with commercial innovation.

You're witnessing a fascinating evolution in cultural institution strategy. By repurposing the colossal former Olympics venue into what V&A officials call "a world-first in size, scale and ambition," the project highlights sustainable adaptive reuse while anchoring the £1.1 billion East Bank development. It’s projected to generate 2,500 jobs and £1.5 billion for the local economy.

Beyond housing treasures like the David Bowie Centre that opens in September, the Storehouse incorporates two creative studios and workshop spaces. They’re specifically designed for your business incubation and skills development. This finally addresses the creative sector's persistent talent pipeline challenges. If you're running a fashion startup seeking historical pattern inspiration, or a product design firm researching manufacturing techniques, the Storehouse offers you direct access to centuries of design innovation without the traditional gatekeeping of academic credentials or industry connections. Finally, London's cultural assets become active resources for your commercial creativity.

Find out more here - https://www.vam.ac.uk

Creator Catalysts - Funding and Resources

The 2025 Halcyon Equity Tech Fellowship

Are you an entrepreneur leveraging technology to bridge gaps in education or the workforce? This award offers a transformative opportunity to accelerate your impact. There’s an eight-week programme, taking place in Washington, DC, which includes expert training, mentorship, and a $10,000 equity-free stipend to scale your venture. You can apply from anywhere in the world, if you have a scalable solution in EdTech or the Future of Work.

Closing date - April 18 2025

Apply here - https://www.halcyonhouse.org/programs

The John O. Calmore Creative Activism Artist Residency

This global opportunity invites citizen artists who are passionate about social justice and creative activism. If you’re over 21 and use your practice to address social issues, now is the time to apply for this prestigious residency that runs from January - April 2026. You’ll be based in North Carolina in private housing. Along with this, you’ll have access to a large studio, curatorial support and a $6,000 stipend to explore bold ideas in any discipline. So whether you’re into painting, sculpture, new media and film, it’s time to apply.

Entry fee - $35.00

Closing date - April 21 2025

Apply here - https://mccollcenter.slideroom.com

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Eclectic
Pronunciation: /ɪˈklektɪk/
Definition:  Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Cultural Note: From the Greek "eklektikos" meaning "selective," this term evolved from ancient philosophy where eclectics selected doctrines from various schools of thought.

Balinese Word:
Bale
Pronunciation: /bɑːleɪ/
Definition:  An open-sided pavilion or gazebo-like structure, typically used for social gatherings, relaxation, or ceremonial purposes in Balinese architecture.
Cultural Note: The bale is a quintessential element of Balinese compound houses and temples. Its open design reflects the Balinese philosophy of harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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