This exhibition presents findings from a research project funded by Centre for Cultural Value and jointly led by Fun Palaces and sociologist Dr Katy Pilcher. Together they investigated whether communities who make creative and cultural experiences for themselves also create ways to have their needs heard.

Credit: Chery Nguyen – Creative Creator

The research highlights that when communities come together across social divides to share knowledge and create cultural value while also exploring how cultural participation can unlock wider civic activism, as well as the barriers andsocial inequalities preventing this from happening.

The exhibition presents research findings through stories, photographs and objects shared by those who participated in the research project, bringing to life the experiences of Fun Palaces Makers from across the UK and where their Fun Palaces have led.

The exhibition will also include workshops, which will be confirmed soon.

The exhibition opened at The Albany CaffA on 21st August 2024. This event brought together guests, Fun Palace makers and participants who contributed to the research. The event used the objects from the exhibition to create the activities; food using recipes from the Nom Nom cookbook and bubble-making activities. There was also a banner-making workshop, the results of which were displayed as part of the exhibition.

12 February to 15 March 2026: from 9 AM to 4 PM
Wednesday 4 March, 5 PM to 8 PM - opening event
Trowbridge Gardens
1 Trowbridge Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LD