Poetcurious is a local artist who specialises in exploring poetry, music and education - the hip-hop way. We were lucky enough to have him join us at our Winter Warmer 2018 celebration and here’s what he had to say about it.
Festive Collective - an OPDC community Christmas in Old Oak
Emerging from the shadows of the Grand Union canal bridge where Brent holds hands with Ealing, The Collective’s bright lights illuminate the dark streets of Old Oak like a beacon. This creative hub lives in a rejuvenated office block. The building is emblematic of the past’s vision of the future. High-rise and right-angled it sits in contrast to quaint local railway cottages. These quintessential British homes that have served as an idyllic backdrop to more movie scenes than any other location in Britain, providing a real-life film set in close reach of the historic prop houses and sound stages upon which Britain’s film history was built.
Entering The Collective a huge Christmas Tree greets visitors off of the bitter cold streets. It is December. London is swinging into festive mode and this is reflected in the decor of this hub. A home to a diverse community of young creatives that embraces a model of futuristic modular living that blends the luxuries of modernity with the responsibilities inherent to city living; sustainability, community; consciousness and an ethos that is humane, ecological and affordable.
This is my second event here and what is most noticeably different from earlier events is the willingness of those whose lives are most disrupted by this project to engage positively with OPDC, collaborating in shaping this new community. The changes that are planned are embraced more than they are challenged. Positives outweigh negatives and the tone and content of the conversations I engage in mostly lack the cynicism and fear that were more common earlier in this process. Even as I dig for descent I find that I am almost always redirected back to a track of conversation about the good that can come of this. Such a position is hard to achieve with people who are daily disrupted by the work going on their doorsteps. This is no small achievement and although no plans have been formally agreed at this point there seems to be a level of excitement for the possibility of positive change that this expansive development can deliver.
The festive theme continues in a large reception room with Christmas party vibes and varied opportunities to explore and discuss the plans for the area. Plans that are well underway behind the bland hoardings that shutter pedestrians from the drilling and digging thriving behind them. It is the most awkward stage of development, when the breaking, levelling and dismantlement intrude into local life backed only by the promise of a bright and better future.
That future is modelled in miniature on a brightly illuminated table top 3D map that draws all who enter like moths to flame. It is hard to ignore in the dimmed lighting of the space. At tables and bars locals mingle with artists, investors, poets and community activists all keen to share and collect views; question and engage in the necessary dialogue required to deliver a project of this scale to the satisfaction of all who are invested in, and dependent upon its success.
The contrasts in Old Oak are stark but weave themselves together into a tapestry of residency and industry upon which most Londoners rely without even knowing it. It is a place of structural importance and rich history yet remains one of London’s best kept secrets. A place of fascination with a diverse and loyal populus.
The canal which features prominently in the new plans has adapted, transformed yet remains the same, as much of the area has. Home to a thriving boat community, who sit static on waters that in centuries past were the highways and trade routes of this city. It will change and remain the same again, this is the story of Old Oak; a location of constant renewal and enduring purpose; an ever-evolving industrial heartland and home to a strong-minded and proud community.
Many of the older attendees are quick to point out that it is the children of this community who stand to gain the most, and although nobody says it explicitly, it seems that they see their job as one of shaping the future for the next generation above securing their own profit from this project.
The evening continues with minimal speeches giving way to ample eating, drinking and mingling. After a while it is hard to distinguish those who are working at this event from those who have been invited. It is the type of community atmosphere that loosens lips and warms hearts; one where doubt is diminished and the cheer of Christmas replaces criticality and concern. The dialogue is a natural balance of heat and light and to the crooning of Christmas carols and buskered blues Old Oak responds warmly to the offerings before it.
Poetcurious has also written a poem that captured the atmosphere on the night.