“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.
Vanessa Woolf, Tuesday 4th December
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, Royal Academy of Arts, Kensington Palace, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Harrods, Royal Opera House and Waterloo Vaults. She also regularly hosts public storytelling events in weird and wonderful spaces (often at night) from woods and cemeteries to derelict buildings and underpasses.
Come along and 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.
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.
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.
