“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
Citizens of London
In a new series of talks 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.
Jay Richards, Tuesday 22nd January
In the January edition of #CitizensofLondon, we will be in conversation with the charismatic Jay Richards, founder of DivInc, a social enterprise that helps underestimated 11-18 years olds launch their own startups.
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, the importance of inspiring young people to create change and what he thinks is needed in London right now.
Date: January 22nd Time: 7:00 – 8:30PM, Venue: cloudM, citizenM Tower of London, EC3N 4DJ. Free
Saad Eddine Said, Tuesday 5th March
In the Feburary edition of #citizensofLondon we’ll be joined by 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 (Up Next) in Battersea Arts Centre (UK). Saad Eddine Said has also been working internationally as a documentary filmmaker and has presented his work and vision in Europe, Asia and Africa.
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 and the exciting work Saad has been involved in working as an Artistic Director at Battersea Arts Centre
Date: March 5th Time: 7:00 – 8:30PM, Venue: cloudM, citizenM Tower of London, EC3N 4DJ. Free
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.
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.
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.
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 a least 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.
Vanessa Woolf
In the December addition of #citizensofLondon we will be joined by London’s resident storyteller, Vanessa Woolf. Vanessa 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 insights and experiences in bringing people together through their love for stories and London, find out about her journey into the world of storytelling and discover some of the most mystical places around the city.
William Wong
William is a photographer and visual storyteller. He has been leading the Instagram community platform @london_only (LO) for over 3 years, with more than 40k followers, LO 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 and share your ideas and experiences on how we can use the power of imagery to shape the uncertain future (hint hint Brexit).
Redhwan Ahmed and Ibraham Musa
Redhwan Ahmed and Ibrahim Musa are talented East London based photographers and co-founders of a creative collective Offcentr.
Hear Redhwan and Ibrahim share insights they have learnt from establishing a diverse creative community, find out about the 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.
