Fantastic news for @whitehousedagenham ! We are delighted to announce that Create London has received £500,000 from the Creative Foundations Fund (CFF) to redevelop and expand The White House on the Becontree Estate, Dagenham: the only independent, contemporary visual arts venue in the borough. The White House brings together world-class artists and communities to host residencies, develop new artworks and engage residents in creative activities that foster individual wellbeing and social cohesion. Celebrating 10 years as a public cultural space in 2026, the locally listed house urgently requires investment to safeguard its future.
Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of DCMS, this vital investment will ensure a sustainable future for the building, by resolving the insulation, damp and accessibility issues that threaten its viability as a public space. It will also enable the creation of a light-filled, new extension to the house to accommodate growing community demand and facilitate more local schools’ engagement (pictured).
Phase one of The White House renovations was successfully completed in 2016 by RIBA Stirling Prize-nominated architectural studio @apparata_studio . Phase two of its redevelopment will thermally upgrade the historic building, replace failing windows and add a new extension. These improvements will reduce maintenance costs, support high‑quality artist residencies and expand creative participation for local audiences in one of London’s most culturally underserved boroughs.
Follow the link in our bio to read the full press release ⬆️
Render by @apparata_studio ✨
@aceagrams@lbbdcouncil
#createlondon #thewhitehousedagenham #apparata #creativefoundationsfund
On Saturday 25th April 12.45pm-3pm join us for Becontree Brilliant Trees, a Creative Walk with artist @david_bennett_photographs 🌳🌲🌴
We will be exploring Becontree Estate's trees - silent witnesses to the estate’s 100-year history - from generations of residents to social, political and urban change. The walk will start and end at @whitehousedagenham and will include a visit to David’s exhibition ‘Brilliant Trees: A Survey of Becontree Estate Street Trees’ at nearby @valencehousemuseum , as well as several stops on the way with creative prompts to get you drawing, photographing, writing or simply looking around.
You are welcome to bring a flask of tea and cake, and a picnic blanket to enjoy a restful break together en-route!
There will be an opportunity to submit your drawing, photo or text to be included in the Brilliant Trees exhibition during its final two weeks but you are also welcome just to come along and contemplate the prompts during the walk.
⏰ Please arrive at 12:45pm for a cup of tea - we will set off at 1pm and finish at 3pm.
🎟️ Tickets are free, please book your place via our bio!
👤 No skill necessary. Age 12+
Photo Credits:
David Bennett by @misafreeman
Woodward Road by @david_bennett_photographs
Porters Ave by @david_bennett_photographs
Basedale Road by @david_bennett_photographs
#thewhitehousedagenham #becontreeestate #createlondon #davidbennett
Thanks to all who joined us on Saturday for our Spring Garden Party at The White House @whitehousedagenham ! We collaged, we gardened, we ate delicious food, our Poetry Group performed some beautiful poetry and our Painting Group curated an incredible exhibition in our Front Room space. Plus, local makers put on a Makers Market featuring unique handmade goods. Thanks for helping us truly welcome in the new season 🌱🌞✨
Join us at The White House this Saturday for our regular Garden Club 10am-12pm. This session – which will take the format of a PechaKucha – will give participants the opportunity to connect with other seasoned growers in their local area. It is a chance to share knowledge, skills and learn about other community led projects that worked well, to inspire our gardeners to take ownership of The White House community garden.
See you there! Tickets in bio ✨
The White House Garden Club is supported by City Bridge Foundation.
📷 @misafreeman@louatessa
#createlondon #thewhitehousedagenham #gardening #gardeningworkshops #barkinganddagenham
Don’t miss our Spring Garden Party at The White House Dagenham – a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon that is free and open to everyone 🌷🐝🌼
Take part in our collaging workshops, enjoy live poetry readings by members of our poetry group and see the exhibition of works by our painting group. Browse our craft market, featuring unique handmade goods, artwork and crafts created by the resident creative community groups who use The White House. Plus sunflower planting in the garden and fresh, delicious food with seasonal flavours to keep you refreshed while you explore.
Whether you’re coming to make art, listen to poetry, browse the market, enjoy great food or simply soak up the spring sunshine, this vibrant garden party is a wonderful way to connect with your local community.
🎟️ Free tickets in our bio!
📆 Saturday 14th March
🕑 2-5pm
📍 The White House, 884 Green Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1BX
#SpringGardenParty #TheWhiteHouseDagenham #DagenhamEvents #CommunityEvent #FamilyFriendly
💎✨Digital Lab: Jewellery Making Workshop with Kam Creates @kamcreates ✨💎
Join us on Wednesday 11th March & Wednesday 29th April at the @whitehousedagenham for an experimental and creative jewellery-making workshop with brilliant local maker, @kamcreates 💎
Young people will have the chance to see our laser-cutter in action, then explore their own creativity as they design and make their own wall hanging, badges or unique jewellery 😍✨
Kam's work is sold at popular boutiques, markets, and galleries all over London and the UK. With her expert guidance, young people will learn about digital craft machinery and techniques. They will see basic design principles in action, and have the chance to make their own pieces from scratch.
🧑🏽🎨 Perfect for ages 10–16
☕ Parents and carers are welcome to stay and join in, or relax with a cup of tea in our kitchen.
📆 Wednesday 11th March & Wednesday 29th April
🕑 4.30-6pm
📍 The White House Dagenham,
884 Green Ln, Dagenham RM8 1BX
For access needs or questions, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
#DigitalLab #JewelleryWorkshop #KamCreates #TheWhiteHouseDagenham #CreativeYouth
Spring Garden Party at The White House, Dagenham ✨🌷
Celebrate the longer days with a joyful afternoon of creativity, culture and connection at The White House @whitehousedagenham seasonal Spring Garden Party! Enjoy artist-led workshops, hands-on creative activities for all ages, live music and delicious food.
🎨 Creative spring collage workshops
🖌️ Exhibition from our Painting Group
🎤 Live poetry readings
🛍️ Makers Market with handmade goods & artwork
🍓 Fresh seasonal food
🌞 Outdoor fun for the whole family
📅 Saturday 14th March
⏰ 2pm–5pm
📍 The White House, 884 Green Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1BX
Everyone is welcome – we can’t wait to celebrate spring with you! ✨
#SpringGardenParty #TheWhiteHouseDagenham #DagenhamEvents #CommunityEvent #FamilyFriendly
The White House Garden Club Session Two: Foraging 🌿
Join us on Saturday 21st February for our next Garden Club at The White House Dagenham @whitehousedagenham . In this hands-on session, we will be given a demonstration and a lesson in foraging practices.
🌱 Learn the best local places to forage
🌱 Identify key plants and herbs for cooking
🌱 Help prep the garden and plan where seeds and flowers will go 🌸
Young people under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
For dietary requirements, email: 📧 [email protected]
🎟️ Free tickets in bio
📆 Saturday 21st February
⏰ 10am–12pm
📍 The White House, Dagenham
Supported by City Bridge Foundation.
Photos from our Autumn Garden Party last year.
#WhiteHouseGardenClub #DagenhamGardening #CommunityGarden #Foraging #GardeningWorkshop
🌿 The White House Garden Club 🌿 Calling all Dagenham growers (and soon-to-be growers)!
Join our community garden club and get stuck into learning new skills, meeting neighbours, and helping us grow a thriving garden for Dagenham 🌼
By joining the Garden Club you’ll enjoy:
✨ Regular hands-on workshops
✨ Access to our greenhouse & garden
✨ A welcoming community of local growers
🗓 Upcoming Sessions (10am-12pm):
🌿 Sat 7 Feb: Pesto Making & Garden Ideation
Learn to make fresh pesto, share food together, and start planning our garden space.
🍃 Sat 21 Feb: Foraging
Discover local foraging spots, identify edible plants, and prep flower beds for planting.
🌱 Sat 7 Mar: Seed Sowing & Planting
Sow seeds for the greenhouse and plan garden maintenance for the season ahead.
🌼 Sat 21 Mar: Community Garden Pecha Kucha
Connect with experienced growers, share ideas, and get inspired by community-led projects.
📧 Please email [email protected] with any dietary requirements.
👨👩👧 Young people under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
🎟️ Tickets in bio!
Photos of our previous garden club session run by @thebarefootplanter
Supported by City Bridge Foundation 🤍
#CommunityGarden #Dagenham #GrowTogether #TheWhiteHouse
Are you an artist, creative, arts lover or making enthusiast based in Barking & Dagenham? Come along to the Future Ideas Sessions and meet the Create London @createlondon team to talk about your ideas for creative activities and opportunities you want to see happening at The White House @whitehousedagenham . Find out about upcoming events and help shape our future programme.
The White House Future Ideas Sessions ✨🧠
📅 Mon 16, Tues 17, Wed 18 Feb
Drop in between 12-3pm
📍 The White House, Dagenham
✨ Share your ideas
✨ Meet other local creatives
✨ Enjoy refreshments on us
Book at the link in our bio!
📷 J.Lee
#TheWhiteHouseFutureIdeas #BarkingAndDagenham #CreateLondon #ArtsCommunity #LocalCreatives
🎨🌿 February Half Term at @whitehousedagenham : FREE Arts & Garden School Workshops with @thebarefootplanter 🌿🎨
Looking for something fun, creative and hands-on this Half Term? Join us at The White House for a week of art, gardening and wildlife-inspired crafts 🐞🌼
🗓 Dates & Times (10am-12pm):
Mon 16 February
Tues 17 February
Wed 18 February
✨ Led by artist & gardener Chauntelle Lewis, each workshop offers a different creative activity inspired by our garden and the natural world. Book one session or all three!
🥞 Light refreshments provided (yes, including pancakes!)
👨👩👧 Parents/carers must stay with children
👶🏽 Minimum age 3+
There’ll also be time after each session to meet the Create London team and share what events you’d love to see at The White House in the future.
📍 The White House
884 Green Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1BX
🎟 Book via the link in our bio!
#HalfTermFun #FreeWorkshops #FamilyActivities #Dagenham #TheWhiteHouse
Decades by Louise Giovanelli @louise___giovanelli is closing at the end of this week! Head on down to St Mary le Strand @stmarylestrand to experience the beautiful installation by day or lit up by night ✨
Decades is special for many reasons – Create’s first project in Central London, the work transforms the south-facing façade of James Gibb’s iconic St Mary le Strand church into a sculptural trompe-l’œil curtain, re-framing one of London’s most overlooked architectural jewels. Framed geographically between London’s theatre district and the City of Westminster, the work pays reverence to worship, glamour and contemporary modes of devotion. Through concealing and revealing, Giovanelli explores overlooked architectural details on the side of the church through a process she terms ‘slow looking’.
Decades has been made possible with lead support from Westminster City Council @citywestminster , alongside London Heritage Quarter @londonheritagequarter , Liberty @libertylondon and White Cube @whitecube , with generous in-kind support from St Mary le Strand Church @stmarylestrand and the Diocese of London.
📍 St Mary le Strand
📅 Until Sunday 18 January 2026
🎟 Free for all visitors
Photography by Damian Griffiths.
#Decades #LouiseGiovanelli #CreateLondon #PublicArt #LondonArt
We are looking for up to 3 new Trustees to join the Create London board. If you’re passionate about community-led culture, equitable urban development, and bold artistic practice, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re especially looking for expertise in:
🏛 Architecture & heritage capital projects
🏢 Commercial property development
⚖️ Legal & governance
💼 Enterprise & commercial strategy
For 12 years, we’ve worked alongside communities across East London – commissioning art, architecture and infrastructure that spark imagination, support collective action and create lasting change. With new projects on the horizon, this is a powerful moment to join us.
This is a voluntary role open to people ready to contribute their skills, time and insight to an organisation working at the intersection of art, housing, public space and community life. You’ll join a Board with a rotating Chair model designed to strengthen collective leadership and ensure diverse voices shape our future.
📅 Apply via the link in our bio by 15 March 2026
#CreateLondon #TrusteeRecruitment #ArtsLeadership #CommunityArts #SociallyEngagedArt
