Creative Spaces Symposium  

We are thrilled to be hosting our first symposium with the topic of Creative Spaces on
Thursday 16th October 2025 at The Lab E20, Stratford (E20 1JB). 

This one-day symposium will explore what makes creative spaces truly inclusive and sustainable, addressing the shortage of such spaces in East London. Together, we’ll discuss safer spaces, the potential of heritage buildings, and how creative places can support local communities by drawing on local culture, skills, and resources. 

We’ll also examine the key ingredients for success: adequate infrastructure, strong partnerships, accessible resources, and strategies that ensure long-term, fair opportunities for all. 

📩 For questions, please contact e.denton@uel.ac.uk 

Save Your Spot

Key Details 

Date

16th October 2025

Time

9:30am – 5:00pm

Location

The Lab E20, Stratford, E20 1JB  

Programme Highlights

‘Creative Spaces’ will consider what authentic and inclusive creative spaces look like. The symposium will highlight the infrastructure, partnerships, resources, and strategies required for sustainable, co-designed, and equitable outcomes. 

RSVP

    • 9:30 – 10:00 | Arrivals, Registration, Networking & Refreshments 

    • 10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome & Framing – Sanaz Amidi, Chair, Creative Newham 

    • 10:15 – 10:30 | Opening Provocations – Rose Sinclair, Prof. Matthew Bellgard (UEL) 

    • 10:35 – 11:00 | Keynote – Shazia Hussain, CEO, LLDC 

    • 11:15 – 12:15 | Panel 1 – Beyond Affordability: Co-Designing Truly Sustainable Creative Spaces 

    • 12:15 – 1:15 | Panel 2 – New Models of Partnership for Inclusive Creative Spaces 

    • 1:15 – 2:00 | Lunch & Networking 

    • 2:00 – 3:00 | Panel 3 – Heritage Buildings: Challenges & Opportunities for Creative Use 

    • 3:00 – 3:40 | Breakout Discussion 1 – Defining Safe Creative Spaces 

    • 4:00 – 4:40 | Breakout Discussion 2 – Creative Spaces & Newham’s Cultural Character 

    • 4:40 – 5:00 | Plenary & Next Steps – Towards a Creative Spaces Charter 

    • 5:00 | Close