Queen Mary has a long history of thinking about how arts and culture can benefit local communities and address complex global challenges. The People’s Palace, opened by Queen Victoria in 1887, was originally a community venue where people of the East End could enjoy dance classes, organ recitals, donkey shows and art exhibitions, as well as gain skills in what are now known as the ‘creative industries’ - tailor’s cutting, woodwork, photography, and needlework.
Continuing the ethos of the People’s Palace, Queen Mary today has a unique opportunity to build on this important part of our history and add value to this creative and cultural infrastructure, ensuring that arts and culture are accessible for all.
We believe that the arts provide important opportunities to bring communities together, building on east London’s community spirit and boosting the local economy. We can tackle social divides and provide space to connect and collaborate with local people and partners.
To reflect this, culture is one of five priority themes in Queen Mary’s Civic University Agreement. East London is home to a rich arts and cultural sector, alongside strong networks of community and voluntary organisations.