V&A East has launched a new community programme, taking objects from the museum’s collection into schools in east London for the first time in the V&A’s history.
Named ‘Your Collection: V&A East in Schools’, the programme is led by V&A East director Gus Casely-Hayford. “Objects are glorious,” says Casely-Hayford.
“I have spent my life dedicated to promoting and protecting them, but they are always made richer when animated by peoples love and passion.”
V&A East will take “small numbers of truly special objects” to schools in east London, he adds.
“Students will have the unique experience to engage with museum objects up close and have their voices heard as we discuss the rich global stories behind the objects.”
These objects include a West African cast gold badge dating from 370-1874, a ‘Free Zulu’ pendant designed by Kenny ‘Zulu’ Whitmore and made by inmates in Louisiana State Penitentiary in 2014, and a 17th century silver scent pomander.
The new schools project is part of V&A East’s work to connect with and create opportunities for young people in the community ahead of the opening of V&A East Storehouse in 2024 and V&A East Museum in 2025.
Designed by O’Donnell & Tuomey, the new museum is located in Stratford’s £1.1 billion East Bank development. V&A East Storehouse, a collection and research centre, is part of the Here East campus.
V&A East creating opportunities for young people
The programme will initially focus on schools in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Participating schools can opt for assembly talks, classroom handling sessions, and careers and skills workshops.
“Empowering young people and opening pathways into the creative industries is fundamental to our vision for V&A East,” says Sarah Green, V&A East community engagement and outreach lead.
“We want to use the collection to spark change, innovation, and creativity for the future.”
Images: V&A
