East London’s arts and business opportunities will be the focus of a debate at Stratford Picturehouse.

Panellists will include Hadrian Garrard, the director of art-commissioning organisation Create London and Alvin Carpio, a community organiser, who will discuss the importance of the creative economy and assess what is flourishing.

The event next Wednesday evening (September 11) is the first in a series of three called Birkbeck Connects, celebrating the opening of University Square Stratford – a new state-of-the-art university campus shared by Birkbeck, University of London, and the University of East London.

Garrard will speak about his work commissioning art projects aimed at bridging social barriers.

He said: “It is our firm belief that art and creativity can make people’s lives better and we are driven by a conviction that the creativity of east London can be better connected to all sections of the community and, as a result, contribute to the on-going urban renewal of the area.”

Carpio will share his experiences of dramatic changes in his local area, drawing on his academic research into youth unemployment after the Olympics.

Born and raised in Plaistow, Alvin is currently a board member of the UpRising Leadership Programme and works for Catch22, a forward looking social business that helps people in tough situations turn their lives around.

He said: “The creative industries are booming in east London - are they offering young people the chance to channel their energies and talents in constructive ways? We want the public to join us to debate what should happen next in this arena.”

The event will be moderated by Anita Sethi – a journalist, writer, broadcaster and presenter. The event is free and runs from 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

Book online or direct with the Picturehouse: Box Office: 0871 902 5740, stratfordeast@picturehouses.co.uk.

Questions can be submitted to the panellists in advance by emailing info@newmedianetworks.org. Questions submitted will be entered into a prize draw for a year’s membership of the Picturehouse, including three free tickets and discounted tickets.