Hackney: the place - Culture
Diversity has created a thriving cultural quarter all around Hackney. In central Hackney there is Hackney Empire, where the wonderfully restored music hall puts on a wide variety of entertainment. Nearby are the Hackney Museum, Free Form’s Hothouse, Space Studios and a wide selection of restaurants and bars stretching from Mare Street through London Fields to Broadway Market.
But cultural activity is not limited to central Hackney. In Dalston, the Rio Cinema, one of the few independent and community run cinemas in the country, showcases the annual Turkish Film Festival as well as running children’s’ education events and first-run mainstream films. Nearby there is the Arcola Theatre and Dalston Culture House. There are major festivals - Shoreditch Festival and Mare de Gras along with music, play and community events held in Hackney’s parks. This year’s new addition, Hackney Spice, features a bubbling pot of talent, creativity and innovation, according to the organisers. And a talented dog show!
Organisations of national importance are also located in Hackney. The English National Opera runs its Education, Community and Outreach team from the Baylis Centre. Circus Space trains circus performers, promotes shows and provides offices for circus related businesses in Hoxton. Sutton House, a Tudor hunting lodge restored by the National Trust is located in Homerton. The Geffrye Museum is nationally renowned for its collections of domestic interiors and furnishings. Hoxton and Shoreditch are home to a number of art galleries including White Cube and Iniva. Major artist workspace providers like Space and ACME have artists’ studio space throughout the borough.
Page updated: 17 Apr 2008