In March 2025, eight local people met for the first time in UCL East’s Culture Lab, having successfully applied to be a part of the fifth iteration of Special Collections’ The New Curators Project.  They were about to embark on a programme of workshops, talks and training sessions that would introduce them to the cultural heritage sector as a potential place of work.

Each year, Special Collections offers up to ten funded places on this programme, and each cohort work to create a mobile exhibition as part of Newham Heritage Month.  This year’s cohort produced an exhibition that explored Newham’s 60 year long history and held a launch event at East Ham Library.  We are proud of what they have achieved, and to introduce you to the collective here – we can promise you they are set for big things in the future!

Please note: participants chose whether to write a biography and whether to include a photograph. Among the group, though not featured here, were also Jahnayi West and Tegan Wilson, who were major contributors to the development of the group’s exhibition and to the delivery of the launch event, which was held in East Ham Library.

Sergina

Hello! My name is Sergina and I have a passion for the arts.  I have previously attended a fine arts course at central saint martins but due to health issues I was not able to complete the course nevertheless my passion hasn’t dwindled. It is my goal to develop a career in the art world. During my time studying the arts I have discovered a variety of different artists that have inspired me. Artists including Michael Clark, Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollock and Frida Kahlo. In my own time I have enjoyed going to art galleries such as Tate modern, Tate Britain, the National Gallery, Studio 54 and the Barbican. They broaden my horizons when it comes to the possibilities of creative work. I am an arts enthusiast.

Raian

Hello! My name is Raian Farah. I am 19 years old, and I have always had an interest with History, Music and performing Arts. I believe the three really connect with each other and hope in the future I can pursue them all. I believe with Music, it is an escape from reality, where you can become what you please. History to me is a library filled with books from the past where the possibilities of the future also hide. Having culturally immersed parents also fuelled my interests in History. Performing arts includes emotions and creativity and how theatre played a huge role in historical times. Growing up in an area where the subjects are looked down on, I mostly look forward to befriending others with the same thoughts as me and working in a team. I also look forward to learning more about cultural heritage in East London. 🙂

Raian Farah from The New Curators Project 2025

Saniya

I’m Saniya, an aspiring archivist, curator, or prop maker with a deep love for arts, textiles, and cultural heritage. Completing The New Curators Project 2025 was a turning point, it deepened my passion for preserving stories and traditions in creative, engaging ways and gave me the confidence to take my next steps in the field.  The project has opened doors into the industry and helped me build valuable connections. I’m now applying for an internship at the new Soho Theatre in Walthamstow and an apprenticeship at the British Film Institute—two exciting opportunities that align with my creative and cultural interests. I’m passionate about connecting people to history through hands-on, imaginative approaches—whether through curating, archiving, or making. I’m committed to growing in this field and contributing to the preservation of culture and heritage in ways that inspire and engage future generations.

Saniya from The New Curators Project 2025

Digby

I’m Digby, a 19-year-old from Hackney with a strong passion for history and politics. I’ve always been fascinated by the way past events, ideas, and decisions shape the world we live in today, from the structure of governments to the inequalities that still exist in society. For me, history isn’t just about dates and facts; it’s about people, power, and the consequences of choices. I’m especially interested in how political movements and historical narratives influence identity, culture, and public perception. Growing up in a diverse and vibrant area like Hackney has made me even more aware of how global events play out on a local level. I enjoy reading, discussing current affairs, and exploring how change happens — both gradually and suddenly. Ultimately, I’m driven by a desire to understand how the past informs the present and how we might build a more informed and equitable future.

Digby from The New Curators Project 2025

Mae

Mae from The New Curators Project 2025

Maria

Maria from The New Curators Project 2025

Well done to everyone in this year’s cohort – their exhibition has toured East Ham Library, Stratford Library and is on display in Plaistow Library until the 20th July.  It will also be displayed somewhere in Newham during the month of September, which will be 2025’s Newham Heritage Month…so watch this space for news about where you can catch it!

The majority of the 2025 New Curators Project cohort with staff member Vicky Price at the launch event in East Ham Library

This blog was written by Arzama Hossain, a participant on this year’s New Curators Project. The project seeks to offer a cohort of 18-24 year olds from East London the chance to learn more about the cultural heritage sector, receive relevant training and to produce something for a real life heritage audience as part of Newham Heritage Month. In Arzama’s own words, it is ‘a project in which you learn and work’ at the same time. This blog is a reflection that she wrote after visiting Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives.

Visiting Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives

Today I had the great pleasure to visit the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives; I really had an amazing time exploring the place and the vast collection of artefacts they have. One thing I was pleased to learn was that anyone is able to visit them and it’s not an exclusive thing, this is a good thing as it allows people interested in history to be able to research some things at the source.

One of the things I enjoyed seeing was pictures of the local area throughout the year. I think it is important to keep an archive of photos which will allow people to see the history of the place they live. Due to the vast amount of material in the place, it feels like you are able to properly get an idea of local history and how it has progressed over the years. These archives are an important part of history as they showcase the important role of minorities in the history of this country and how they have helped make Britain what it is today.

New Curators Participants scrutinising an historical map.

Archives play an important role in our understanding of the past, as they showcase some of the hidden aspects of history that many people may not know. Throughout history, only the biggest events got the spotlight while smaller, just as significant stories aren’t told as often. A country should always acknowledge even the bad mistakes of the past as it makes sure they don’t happen again, and keeping an archive of events allows people to learn the good and bad.

I moved to England from Italy when I was 12 and started learning about British culture but not forgetting my roots, seeing my community represented in the Archive gives you some inspiration to be like the people that came before you and made this country what it is. I wanted to learn more about the history of the Bengali people in London due to being Bengali myself and seeing them represented in the archives made me proud of my roots.

Archives are important things to have as they preserve important knowledge which otherwise may have been lost. People should take a trip and visit an archive as they are open for anyone to look at.

Archivist Richard Wiltshire shows participants archival maps and plans.