The Knowledge Quarter’s flagship community engagement event returns in 2020 with two new events. The programme will once again showcase the fantastic partnerships between Knowledge Quarter organisations and charities and community groups local to Islington and Camden.

Register here for the first event on 10 march 2020.

At the two events, we will hear Lightning Talks (short presentations) on working collaborative projects. Community partners are invited to host a market stall, and there is plenty of opportunity to network. The submission window to submit proposals for a Lighting Talk or a market stall are now OPEN. Submissions close 21 February 2020. You can download the Expression of Interest form here.

Where We Are

Between 12 July 2018 and 21 February 2019, we ran five events for Knowledge Quarter organisations and community organisations and charities across Camden and Islington. Each event focused on a different subject:

• Environment – 12 July 2018
  Partnership case study: Central St Martins, University of the Arts London
  and Global Generation
• Youth – 27 September 2018
  Partnership case study: Regent High School and Francis Crick Institute
  Partnership case study: Royal Veterinary College and Kentish Town City Farm
• Wellbeing – 22 October 2018
  Partnership case study: British Museum and Mind in Camden
  Partnership case study: Camden Council and the Recovery College
• Employability – 6 December 2018
  Partnership case study: Islington Council and Resurgo Spear
  Partnership case study: The Francis Crick Institute and Somers Town Living Centre
  Partnership case study: Westminster Kingsway College and Career Ready
• Nexus – 21 February 2019
  Partnership case study: Kings Place and Aurora Orchestra
  Partnership case study: Central Saint Martins and Small Green Shoots
  Partnership case study: The British Library and C4WS Homeless Project

Community Champions: Place

10 March 2020– Institute of Physics, Caledonian Road, N1 9BU

(Event encompasses Environment and Nexus)

Place is a powerful symbol. We often talk of a sense of place; an aspiration which occurs when bricks and tarmac offer long-lasting comfort, safety, hope and friendship.

What is a sense of place for those living in areas of London which unseen hands are transforming beyond recognition? Knowledge Quarter organisations are often national in outlook, but they can and do have profound impacts on the lives of people who call Camden and Islington home. Let’s champion this work.

Community Champions: Place will shine a light on the community organisations and charities that are bringing people together. For Knowledge Quarter organisations it is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a good neighbour. More than this, it is a call to action for both parties to inspire one another and work together on existing public engagement programmes or exciting new ones.

Who should attend?

Community partners based in Camden and Islington:

• Local festival organisers
• Producers and Placemakers
• Community Arts Organisations
• Organisations with an interest in public and green spaces
• Organisations with an interest in sustainability

Knowledge Quarter partners:

• Organisations with large public/private spaces
• Organisations with an interest in sustainability
• Placemakers

To participate in the event, download and return the Expression of Interest form before 21 February 2020.

Register to attend here.

Community Champions: People

October 2020– Location TBC

(Event encompasses Employability, Wellbeing and Youth)

To look after people we must first understand the difficulties they face. This small pocket of London, in which we are tenants, is home to historic communities and new ones, diverse ethnicities and faiths, school children and the elderly, families struggling to pay their bills and individuals struggling to find a place to sleep.

While our identities are manifold and present unique issues, our basic needs are the same: education, prosperity and safety. Whatever our circumstances, we wish to be heard, seen and treated with dignity and respect.

How is the Knowledge Quarter improving the lives of those who struggle with their mental and physical health? What is the Knowledge Quarter offering for young people to supplement their education? How do our organisations ensure they are not discriminatory, but open, listening spaces, prospering from the diverse communities that neighbour them?

Community Champions: People presents Knowledge Quarter organisations with a challenge to invent new collaborative programmes which enrich the lives of the people who live in the boroughs of Camden and Islington. Equally, it presents local community groups and charities with an opportunity to enrich Knowledge Quarter organisations.

Who should attend?

Community partners based in Camden and Islington:

• Mental Health
• Employment
• Internships
• Social exclusion and loneliness
• Schools and colleges

Knowledge Quarter partners:

• All Knowledge Quarter partners can benefit