Londoners’ Stories of Community Life During COVID-19
Hear how Londoners came together during the pandemic with support from 4 organisations who focused on the specific needs of their communities
By Mayor of London
Co-curated by Katrina Man (Independent Curator) and the London Community Story grantees
The Power of Community Image from the 'Picture This!' Project (2021) by Fotosynthesis and Learning UnlimitedMayor of London
Introduction
In 2020, soon after London went into its first lockdown, communities, arts and cultural, and heritage organisations began projects to start to gather people’s experiences of the pandemic.
Collections of films, poems, photographs, diaries, and much more were created, focusing on lived experience and generating a wealth of collections that could be tapped into by those responding to the crisis.
Whilst collecting projects were occurring policy and decision makers were researching the impact of COVID on London’s diverse communities. The Mayor's London Community Story programme aimed to connect policy makers to the communities generating these creative responses to COVID.
Stronger Together Chalk Drawing with Child (2021) by Groundswell Arts and Earlsmead Primary School in TottenhamMayor of London
London's Recovery: Strong Communities
The pandemic has demonstrated the crucial role communities play in supporting each other, acting as the first line of response in a crisis. Yet mandatory social distancing and restrictions on gatherings made it challenging for people to connect with their communities.
During COVID, many charitable community organisations adapted to provide virtual and socially-distanced services and activities. This has been crucial for supporting communities through bereavement and uncertainty.
The Mayor of London is on a mission to provide all Londoners with access to a community hub by 2025, ensuring they can volunteer, get support and build strong community networks. To make London more equal and inclusive, everyone should be able to play an active community role.
1) Quilombo UK
Communities were able to stay connected and engaged through the work of Quilombo UK, who were able to deliver work online.
Quilombo UK Logo (2021) by Quilombo UKMayor of London
Quilombo UK: 'Adapting and Succeeding in the Pandemic!'
Quilombo is a Kingston-based community interest company using creative engagement to challenge unconscious bias and build community cohesion. They deliver workshops, events and training in businesses, schools and organisations, leading discussions on prejudice and stereotypes.
'How Quilombo UK Adapted & Succeeded During the Pandemic!'
Quilombo adapted and thrived during the pandemic by connecting and engaging their community through online cooking classes, setting up a podcast studio and career mentoring as part of their professional development programme.
2) Apsara Arts
The specific lived experiences of members of the Asian community in London were captured in the work of Apsara Arts, who ensured this community felt represented and heard.
Circle of Life - Film Title Page (2021) by Apsara ArtsMayor of London
Apsara Arts: 'Circle of Life' Documentary
Apsara Arts promotes, shares and makes Asian arts accessible to all to improve quality of life within the community. The organisation comprises volunteers and artists who produce participatory arts and heritage projects in community and educational settings.
Circle of Life Documentary (Captioned) (2021) by Apsara ArtsMayor of London
'Circle of Life' Documentary
In this documentary community members share first-hand stories of loss, marriage and birth during COVID-19, demonstrating the importance of human resilience and the ability to adapt.
My Home is My Island Project Website (2021) by Apsara ArtsMayor of London
Apsara Arts: 'My Home is My Island' Online Exhibition
'Circle of Life' is part of a wider online project, 'My Home is My Island' by Apsara Arts and the Museum of Croydon. It comprises 24 short films of interviews with community members from age 10 to 80, exploring issues of isolation, bereavement, hobbies and more in lockdown.
3) Groundswell Arts
Families in Haringey N15 came together through socially-distanced community activities by Groundswell Arts. From a children’s photograph trail to dance workshops, these activities have been essential for providing a sense of certainty and boosting wellbeing during the pandemic.
Stronger Together Chalk Drawing with Child (2021) by Groundswell Arts and Earlsmead Primary School in TottenhamMayor of London
Groundswell Arts
Groundswell Arts is a not-for-profit arts education organisation based in Haringey. They have an interdisciplinary approach to providing participatory education projects for children and families with a particular focus on music, drama, movement and filmmaking.
Groundswell Arts: We Are Here (2021) by Groundswell ArtsMayor of London
Groundswell Arts: 'We Are Here'
In this video summary of the 'We Are Here' project, we learn about the creative community activities that provided support and improved wellbeing for local families during the pandemic.
Big Chalk Day - Children Drawing Outside (2021) by Groundswell ArtsMayor of London
Big Chalk Day
Here we see children taking part in outdoor chalk drawing activities for the 'Big Chalk Day', as part of the 'We Are Here' project. Around 350 houses participated and the activities even reached families outside of London who took part.
Interview with Dr. Jonathan Barnes by Groundswell Arts (Captioned) (2021) by Groundswell ArtsMayor of London
Groundswell Arts: 'Interview with Dr. Jonathan Barnes'
In this interview, Dr. Jonathan Barnes reflects on the findings of his report ‘We are Still Here’. He examines the impacts of creativity, analysing Groundswell Art's street music and street art activities, on providing a sense of unity during the 2020 London lockdowns.
Testimonial From a Local Parent (2021) by Groundswell ArtsMayor of London
'We Are Here' Testimonials
In this testimonial, we hear from a local parent who felt less isolated as a result of Groundswell Arts’ activities.
Testimonial From a Local Resident and Parent (2021) by Groundswell ArtsMayor of London
In this testimonial, we hear from a local resident and parent about how the activities brought about feelings of togetherness in the community.
4) Caporales Centralistas San Miguel London
When community members couldn't travel to their home countries to see family and friends, Caporales Centralistas San Miguel London provided a sense of community through online dance classes and virtual gatherings.
Community members shared their specific first-hand experiences of COVID in a documentary, ‘Light of Hope’, ensuring their experiences are represented and valued.
Dance Performance in 2020 (2021) by Caporales Centralistas San Miguel LondonMayor of London
Caporales Centralistas San Miguel London: 'Light of Hope'
Caporales Centralistas San Miguel London is a Bolivian dance organisation that celebrates London's Latin American communities. Their documentary portrays the impact of COVID and the community's hope and resilience. It is dedicated to community members who have lost their lives.
Light of Hope Chapter 1 Loss (2021) by Caporales Centralistas San Miguel LondonMayor of London
'Light of Hope': Introduction
In this documentary excerpt, we find out about who Caporales Centralistas San Miguel London are, what they do and the importance of dance in Latin American communities.
Light of Hope Chapter 2 Solidarity (2021) by Caporales Centralistas San Miguel LondonMayor of London
'Light of Hope': The Impact of COVID-19 on the Community
In this documentary excerpt, we learn about the impact of the pandemic on London's Latin American community.
Light of Hope Chapter 1 Loss (2021) by Caporales Centralistas San Miguel LondonMayor of London
'Light of Hope': Interview with Pamela
In this interview, Pamela, a community member from Bolivia, discusses the impact of the loss of international travel, the loss of her sister to COVID, and the benefits of online dance classes and virtual gatherings.
Light of Hope Chapter 3 Survival Covid 19 (2021) by Caporales Centralistas San Miguel LondonMayor of London
'Light of Hope': Interview with Jose
In this interview with community member, Jose, he tells us about the importance of retaining a sense of community, cultural identity and solidarity during and after the pandemic. Jose is originally from Peru.
