Former Recorder photographer Steve Lewis shows Mayor Sir Robin Wales his prints documenting the changing face of the East End at an event in Canning Town to promote and protect the artistic community.

Former Recorder photographer Steve Lewis shows Mayor Sir Robin Wales his prints documenting the changing face of the East End at an event in Canning Town to promote and protect the artistic community.

Sir Robin gave the keynote address at the launch of the Newham Arts Development Foundation (NADF) at The Hub to raise awareness of culture within the borough, which has one of the country’s lowest rates of resident participation in the arts.

The event was attended by photographer Steve and other local artists, creative professionals, a variety of arts organisations, schools and community members.

Sir Robin’s speech reflected his support for the NADF and commitment to the arts and he praised the numerous Year 5 and 6 children who are involved with the foundation.

Also speaking was the chief executive of the Newham New Deal Partnership (NNDP), a youth regeneration charity which is managing the NADF, who spoke about the role of building careers and employment prospects for people in the area as they currently develop two centres in addition to the The Hub.

The NADF aims to champion artists from Newham, make culture more accessible to people and to establish opportunities for artists to flourish in the future.

One way in which the foundation is achieving this is by running monthly networking meetings on the first Thursday of every month at The Hub, 123 Star Lane, Canning Town from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.