In a series of talks (2018-19) hosted by citizenM, and organised and facilitated by Living London, inspiring Londoners are offered a platform to talk about the incredible work they’re involved in and to share stories of the communities and places that make London what it is.
Past Speakers
David Lindo
A born and bred Londoner, David is The Urban Birder- broadcaster, writer, speaker and tour leader. His mission is to engage city folk around the world with the plentiful urban nature that surrounds them.
Hear David share his inspiring journey into the world urban bird watching, find out where the best secret wildlife spots are around the capital and discover 'How to be an Urban Birder' yourself! Click here to buy his new book.
Katie Wignall
Guide and Founder of the Look Up London project, Katie seeks to encourage people to discover things they've never noticed before by simply looking up and noticing the special and wondrous details that often go unnoticed and the stories behind them. Katie has been running London walking tours for several years, sharing the London history that’s hiding above the eyeline. Come along and find more about her journey, what it's like to be a prominent tour guide in London, the joys, quirks and challenges that come with the job. Katie will also share ways ou can turn your passion into your livelihood.
Sofia Niazi
Sofia Niazi, is the editor and co-founder of small press publication OOMK and curator and co-founder of DIY Cultures festival. As part of OOMK, she currently runs a community risograph print studio in Newham “Rabbit Roads Press”.
Sofia has produced work for Migration Museum, Museum of London, Barbican and The Guardian. She regularly leads workshops and delivers talks about her work in community, gallery and academic settings.
Saad Eddine Said
Known for his City Take-Overs, Saad Eddine Said is a creative curator who creates bridges between local communities, artists, activists, social entrepreneurs and innovators to co-create impactful takeovers that are focused on shaping and re-imagining the future of our cities. He is the previous CEO and Co-Artistic Director of the charity Terre Sans Frontiere (Morocco) and currently works as an Artistic Director in Battersea Arts Centre. Come along and find out how impactful creative takeovers can change public perceptions of place and people, how the arts can be used to bridge gaps between communities and create lasting change.
Rachel Wang
Rachel Wang, is the Creative Director of award-winning digital project 1000 Londoners. Listen to Rachel share stories and discover insights that she has learnt from filming one short documentary a week since 2014.
Rachel is the founder of Chocolate Films, a leading digital content agency for galleries and museums in the UK and Europe. She is a trustee of the National Portrait Gallery and is on the UK Council of the Creative Industries Federation.
James Burns
Born and raised in vibrant North London, James Burns, London’s resident rooftop photographer, has been documenting London from above for over a decade gaining access to some of London’s tallest buildings and structures for a view of the city that only few have seen. His stunning photographs have been featured in the BBC, Guardian and the Independent. James also runs various photography workshops in different areas. Come along and find out more about Jame’s journey towards becoming a photographer, the stories surrounding his iconic captures and discover some of the best accessible rooftops around the city.
Dominique Sisley
Dominique is the Digital Editor of Huck Magazine a bi-monthly magazine that celebrates independence, seeking out the artists, activists and creative pioneers who are challenging mainstream culture. A London-based writer, Dominique has focused mainly on sexuality, psychology and human nature, as well as emerging or extreme cultural trends. A former News Editor at Dazed, her writing has appeared in Vice, Elle, i-D, The Times and Time Out. Her stories on London shed light on various hidden stories and spaces, from its first care home to its oldest mannequin factory. Find out how stories can inform, inspire, and change us.
Redhwan Ahmed and Ibraham Musa
Redhwan Ahmed and Ibrahim Musa are talented East London based photographers and co-founders of a creative collective Offcentr, an inclusive community of photographers, artists, writers and illustrators. Hear Redhwan and Ibrahim share their journeys and practice, as well as insights they have acquired from establishing a diverse creative community. Learn more about their popular photo-walks and events they organise across London and discover some of the best locations in London to shoot.
Kemi Akinola
Kemi Akinola, is the founder and CEO of Be Enriched and director of Brixton People's Kitchen. Recently named an Urban Food Hero, Kemi is chair of the Lambeth and Wandsworth food Partnerships. She is a qualified Youth Worker and Volunteer Manager, with over 18 years of experience working with young people and communities. A qualified youth worker she has postgraduate qualifications in Psychology, Advocacy and Therapeutic communication and is a Tedx Speaker. Kemi manages a small team delivering big impact across South London affecting everyday change to those most vulnerable, while making a profit.
Jay Richards
Jay Richards is the founder of DivInc, a social enterprise that helps underestimated 11-18 years olds launch their own startups and gain investment by inspiring, equipping and funding them. Come along and hear Jay share his inspiring journey of going from being stuck in a cycle of robbery as a teenager to growing his own start up and motivating young people to create better futures for themselves. Find out how he overcame some of the challenges he faced as a solo founder and the importance of inspiring young people to create change.
William Wong
William Wong is a photographer and visual storyteller. He has been leading the Instagram community platform @london_only (LO) for over 3 years, with more than 50k followers, London Only is known for its eclectic gallery that showcases the complex diversity of London and provides critiques of winning images from their photography challenges. Hear William share his insights and experiences in photographing London, it’s people, places and events. You’ll also be invited to share your ideas and experiences on how we can use the power of imagery to shape the uncertain future (Brexit).
Vanessa Woolf
Vanessa, London’s resident storyteller, tells traditional and non-traditional tales of all kinds, often drawing on the history and folklore of London. She has previously told stories at the V&A Museum and Kensington Palace, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. She also regularly hosts public storytelling events in weird and wonderful spaces from woods and cemeteries to derelict buildings and underpasses. Hear Vanessa share her experiences in bringing people together through their love for stories and London, find out about her journey and learn about the city’s most mystical places.
In partnership with citizenM