In recent weeks, East London high streets have been transformed into street parades led by STOMP co-founder Carl Smith, and disused shopping centre car parks have been converted into theatrical rooftop dining feasts with Hackney School of Food and Punchdrunk Theatre actors.
Now, a bejewelled South Asian ‘art truck’ carrying South Asian dance performances and craft workshops, free for everyone to enjoy, is cruising around the streets of East London for the final closing weekend celebration of this ambitious community arts programme from community arts organisation, Colours of Redbridge.
The colourful South Asian inspired truck art explores British history and stories of home and identity for many across East London, including those from South Asian communities. It has been brought to life with a series of craft workshops led by local East London blacksmith Felicity Jones and performances from South Asian dance schools.
Dubbed “a moving masterpiece” by the locals, the colourful truck design was inspired by the bright and bold trucks wobbling along the highways of South Asia, covered in metalwork that glitters in the sun, and swinging garlands of pom poms and bells. The drivers, often on the road for long periods, decorate their vehicles in the ‘Truck Art’ style to remind them of home.
Image: Nyla Simmons
The ‘Home Away From Home’ truck art was designed by local groups to reflect what home in their London borough of Redbridge means to them, exploring local heritage and identity across East London, Britain and South Asia. The bespoke, hand crafted artisan panels reflect different themes such as culture, food, and music – all of which are important to local community members and where they live.
The panels were created in Pakistan by expert truck artist Abid Bhai and brought to life in the UK by local blacksmith, Felicity Jones, who customised the electric van. The project has also been supported by The Leap in Bradford and local artists Momtaz Begum-Hossain, Sheyamali Sudesh and light artists Bailes+Light, all overseen by Colours of Redbridge and a group of dedicated Community Producers.
Community Producer, Sabina Basir, said: “Being part of the Truck Art project for almost two years has been an amazing journey. A great deal of thought and effort has gone into every aspect of the project: from the initial design to the final execution, ensuring it truly reflects the essence of the area and its surroundings. It has been wonderful to engage with so many members of the community – some of whom we don’t often see – and to witness their enthusiasm while participating in our workshops. The project has already exceeded our expectations in terms of popularity, and I hope it continues to grow even further in the future.”
Redbridge-born blacksmith, Felicity Jones, said: “Creating the truck has been such a beautiful project to be part of and an incredible opportunity to build something bold and unique that truly reflects the creativity, diversity, and imagination of the community. I’ve especially loved running the community metal workshops, where participants poured their own ideas into custom panel designs. Seeing people grow in confidence and express themselves creatively through metalwork has been a real highlight.”
Programme Director of Colours of Redbridge, Pete Nichols, said: “This project has been in the pipeline for a number of years and is one of the most demanding projects we’ve ever done. The hardest part was ensuring we do justice to the ideas from the local community members and our group of amazing Community Producers. The reaction we’ve had driving the truck around the streets of Redbridge has made everything worthwhile – the joy on people’s faces is priceless!”
