Hounslow Council is hosting the inaugural Boston Manor Arts Market (BAM!) at Space M4, Boston Manor Park, TW8 9JU, on Saturday, 23 September from 11.00am to 5.00pm.
Published: Thursday, 21st September 2023
A free market for everyone, BAM! will showcase the diverse arts and crafts culture in the borough and create a platform for creative entrepreneurs to connect with the community.
In collaboration with a local creative business marketer I Do Handmade, the market will feature up to 40 local, small and solely-owned creative businesses based in Hounslow, Feltham, Chiswick and West London, selling an array of designed and handmade products, ranging from jewellery, ceramics and textiles to paintings and more.
Also in the market will be live performances for all age groups, run by local creatives, with a range of activities such as storytelling, and the creation of unique art pieces.
The Boston Manor Park team will also host workshops and visitors can enjoy some refreshments from the new café.
Councillor Shivraj Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Culture, said:
“The Council continues to work hard to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for creatives of all backgrounds – whether it’s providing opportunities to learn new skills or giving them the platform to showcase their work. It’s fantastic to see so many local, emerging creatives taking part in BAM!, with some of them launching their products in our market.
“BAM! is our latest initiative that’s looking to build a thriving, artistic community for our residents. It will become a vital community for where artists, craftspeople and creative minds can share their creativity and passion with a wider audience.”
BAM! and Space M4 are recent additions to a portfolio of creative spaces and initiatives within Hounslow’s Creative Enterprise West (CREW), which comprises a workspace for up to 100 artists in a creative campus at Chiswick House and Gardens; the Council’s first-ever affordable Digital Dock Brentford, Boston Manor House Jimmy Choo London Fashion Academy, and artists at Johnson’s Island.
CREW is one of the nine projects in the Creative Enterprise Zones which is funded by the Mayor of London’s Creative Enterprise Zone Sustainability Capital Grant Fund.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said:
“We are committed to supporting businesses to start, grow and thrive in Hounslow, through CREW, businesses can utilise affordable workspaces, tap into local skilled workers, expand their networks and unlock new customers or supply chains. I’d like to welcome creatives based across Hounslow and nearby boroughs in West London to join BAM! at Boston Manor Park to promote their businesses to our residents and visitors.”
Located under the M4 flyover, Space M4 is one of the new facilities developed by Hounslow Council with funding support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to enhance, conserve, interpret and engage diverse communities with the Boston Manor Park. The funding involves creating Space M4 to host BAM! which is funded by the Greater London Authority Good Growth Fund.
Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Greater London Authority, Jules Pipe CBE, said:
“I am delighted that the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund has enabled the creation of a new piece of civic infrastructure to support local people, businesses and the creative industries in Boston Manor. London’s local communities are sources of tremendous innovation and this new creative workspace, with its 14 designer-maker spaces will be fully accessible, inclusive and outward-looking and will celebrate diverse cultures.
“There is also a re-designed parkland – creating a stage for events and family activities, and opportunities to volunteer, engage and learn about nature and local heritage. The Good Growth Fund will continue supporting thousands of businesses and helping more Londoners make a difference to their local areas across the city.”
After the inauguration in September, BAM! will re-run on 25 November 2023 and April 2024 and bring in a new cohort of creative businesses.
For more information about BAM!, each participating creative business and activities in the inaugural market in September, please visit Boston Manor Arts Market website or follow @summerofculture on Instagram and Facebook.
