We are a registered CIC (Community Interest Company): 08667112 and we operate on a not-for-profit basis.
Modernity’s Candle and the Ways of the Pathless Deep explores relationships between the global whaling industry and the transformation of night in 18th-century Europe: tracing connections between the manufacture and international trade of candles, voyaging and exploration in the Pacific Ocean, Britain’s colonial projects, and emerging intellectual society.
Join Open School East Associates for a free mindfulness meditation afternoon led by artist Daniel Baker. Mindfulness meditation has a proven impact on stress and anxiety, whilst enabling and empowering us to take greater control over our lives. The afternoon will introduce a range of mindfulness and meditation techniques- from short mindfulness practices to longer meditations for relaxation, deepening awareness and gaining new perspectives on our lives and experiences.
No previous experience required, all activities will be optional and guided in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. Experienced meditators and total beginners welcome.
About the teacher:
Daniel is an artist, meditation teacher and former Education Director at Cubitt Gallery and Studios. He practices and teaches meditation as a form of radical accessible education that enables us to bring new awareness to our experience, with a particular focus on social consciousness, connection and finding meaning in our lives.
The afternoon is offered as a free event, but places are limited. Book online to reserve your place.
Social Material's interdiscipinary studio is based in a mental health housing scheme run by Family Mosaic Housing Association. In addition to our work in research, mindfulness and partnerships with museums we aim to run a variety of classes, workshops and projects for the residents; people accessing local mental health services; and local people of all ages.
We have recently received funding from Hackney Giving, via the East London Community Foundation, towards Inspiring Fridays, a series of six Activity Days involving artists' workshops, visits to museums, galleries and parks, and information and signposting to other opportunities locally.
The Activity Days have been designed for adults with complex mental health needs and the aim is to inspire them adults involved to aspire to wider horizons, make new social connections, enjoy themselves and have fun.
We are very grateful to receive support for the project from Hackney Giving through the East End Community Foundation.
(Image: A project participant, Albert at the Royal Observatory Greenwich)
Unknown Empires is a project exploring, mapping and articulating dance subcultures amongst older people across London through performance, visual art and public events. Unknown Empires is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and with thanks to Siobhan Davies Dance.
http://unknownempires.tumblr.com
Image: Hackney U3A International Folk Dance Group at the Media Space, Science Museum, photography: Pari Naderi
Working life for freelancers, artists and those working in the cultural sector is becoming increasingly stressful and precarious: with increased competition due to funding cuts; short term contracts; rising rents; a lack of affordable workspace; and an increasing emphasis on entrepreneurialism and individualisation.
In these conditions many of us feel isolated and unconnected, competing with our peers, working extended hours with little support, and suffering from increased stress, anxiety and overwork.
Social Material, an interdisciplinary practice in East London, is offering a unique, affordable 8-week mindfulness MBSR course at Oxford House, Bethnal Green.
The course builds on the work of mindfulness pioneer John Kabat-Zinn and has been designed for freelancers, creative practitioners, cultural workers, and anyone who is experiencing stress, anxiety, precarious working conditions or feelings of powerlessness in contemporary society. The course will:
- Explore the power and simplicity of mindfulness practices and their huge potential in personal development and creativity
- Integrate mindfulness with a range of related practices and theories, from Zen Buddhism via the Beat Poets to the philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty
- Explore how mindfulness can support individual and collective empowerment to make change and galvanise social action