Creative Producers in Action: Celebrating Our Alumni
Since launching our Cultural Producers Programme, Creative Newham has supported dozens of emerging producers to build skills, confidence and networks across the arts, culture, heritage, health and environment sectors. From festivals and workshops to community-led projects and cross-sector collaborations, our alumni are helping to shape the cultural life of Newham (and beyond!).
This month, we’re celebrating just a few of the great things our graduates have been up to lately.
Carlton and Sofia: A Royal Farewell
In December 2024, Carlton Fontaine-Nowell and Sofia Tomić joined the Royal Docks Team as trainee Cultural Producers n. What began as a six-month placement evolved into a full year of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
Over their time at Royal Docks, Carlton and Sofia helped to produce multiple projects and made vital contributions to the development of the Royal Docks Originals Festival and the wider programme team. Their hosts shared:
“They’ve made wider, vital contributions to the ongoing work of the team – in small ways and large – and leave a huge legacy behind them.”
As they move into the next chapter of their careers, we couldn’t be prouder. Both Carlton and Sofia bring a rich mix of producing training, festival experience, local insight and their own previous experience as creative practitioners into everything they do.
Carlton's LinkedIn profile ->
Sofia’s LinkedIn profile ->
Cultural Producers join the LLDC Elevate Board!
We’re thrilled to share that two of our programme graduates: Carlton Fontaine-Nowell and Emily Cornuaud, have been appointed to the London Legacy Development Corporation Elevate Board, a brilliant recognition of their leadership, creativity and commitment to inclusive cultural development in East London.
Carlton's LinkedIn profile ->
Emily’s LinkedIn profile ->
Sam Ikhuoria: Pop-Up Expressions
Cultural Producer Sam Ikhuoria (The SHAPES UK) is bringing art to unexpected places with Pop-Up Expressions, one of Newham Council’s People Powered Places shortlisted projects.
The project reimagines Canning Town’s public spaces through creative interventions; think performances in local barbershops (with free haircuts!), murals transforming underpasses, and an outdoor summer arts festival in the heart of the community.
A true celebration of local creativity, Pop-Up Expressions shows how art can transform the everyday and we wish Sam and the team every success in The Big Vote!
Dancing to Success: Nicolai-Matei Negruser and Annija Raibekaze
Cohort 1 Cultural Producers Nic and Anni have been making waves in the dance world. Nic recently performed with the London Cabaret Club, while Anni has been leading dance workshops across Europe — inspiring new audiences and championing creative expression through movement.
See Nic in action ->
See Anni’s workshop ->
Honouring Heritage: BUILT BY WE
Tamera Heron, founder of Cold Islanders and alumni of our pilot cohort, co-led the ‘BUILT BY WE’ project alongside Abel Holsborough, launched in honour of Newham Heritage Month.
The project explored the stories of Caribbean residents in the borough who have created vital “third spaces”, hubs of community, culture and belonging that continue to shape Newham’s identity.
Amplifying Youth Voice: Jessica Amaral
Another of our pilot Cultural Producers, Jess Amaral, brought together youth representatives, educators and environmental leaders for SOS-UK’s Future Forum, fostering collaboration across the environmental and conservation sectors.
Through this work, Jess continues to champion youth voice and cross-sector partnership, helping to create new opportunities for young people to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.
A Growing Legacy
From performance and storytelling to heritage, sustainability and social change, our Cultural Producers continue to demonstrate how creativity can spark transformation in every corner of life.
Each of these alumni represents the values at the heart of Creative Newham: collaboration, inclusion, and the belief that creativity belongs to everyone.
We can’t wait to see what they do next.
