Sing Barnfield
A multi-stranded programme of creative activity led by artists Barby Asante and Andrea Encinas, engaging the residents and animating the spaces of the Barnfield Estate in Woolwich.
Sing Barnfield launched in a summer 2009 at a community feast on the Barnfield Estate where many residents of all ages participated in communal singing with members of the London Community Gospel Choir. Over the next few months the artists led a range of activities with young people on the estate including hip hop lyrics writing, beat boxing and rhythm games, as well as organising a number of 'singing picnics' for mums with young children.
A filmmaking workshop for young people, in collaboration with filmmaker Lee McKarkiel led to the production of 'BF18', an adventure story set on the Barnfield Estate for which the young people also composed and performed the theme tune. Most recently, a programme of women's singing workshops has encompassed the sharing of childhood songs in different languages, the learning of vocal techniques, and the sharing of stories and life experiences from different cultures.
Sing Barnfield is funded by Be Creative Be Well, the arts strand of the London-wide initiative, Well London. Well London works with a number of partners in twenty London neighbourhoods on projects which promote health and well-being.