Routes & Roots: Community-Led Creativity in Tower Hamlets

Led by artists Skye Baker and Shabnam Shabazi, the first phase of Routes & Roots took place at the end of 2024, engaging 45 members of the Tower Hamlets community across six partner spaces in the borough. Routes & Roots is part of LAB, our wider ongoing project which builds projects in response to local community conversation.

We want to explore how intergenerational connections can be fostered within shared spaces, and bring together diverse groups who may not typically interact. Through creative consultations and workshops, Routes & Roots participants shared their thoughts, experiences, and ideas, helping to shape the direction of future Magic Me projects.

Participants consistently highlighted Tower Hamlets’ rich diversity as a strength, and expressed a strong desire for more inclusive, free, and welcoming spaces that encourage interaction across generations. Many suggested creative activities, shared meals, and access to green spaces as the key elements in building community relationships. When we asked about the activities they prefer, the most popular choices were crafts, gardening, festivals, board games / quizzes, and cooking — all seen as effective ways to bring different age groups together.

Routes & Roots engaged with 26 potential partners, ultimately collaborating with six organisations. From these, Island House, Toynbee Hall, and Idea Stores stood out as ideal partners for long-term engagement, offering accessible and well-used community spaces where intergenerational activities could thrive.

We’re working on securing the funding for the next phase of the Routes & Roots project, which will see creative projects such as skills sharing and a community exhibition develop from the participants’ initial ideas. We are excited to be partnering with Island House Community Centre to bring this new project to life.