Create

Fantastic news for The White House Dagenham ! We are delighted to announce that Create London has received £500,000 from the Creative Foundations Fund (CFF) to redevelop and expand The White House on the Becontree Estate, Dagenham: the only independent, contemporary visual arts venue in the borough. The White House brings together world-class artists and communities to host residencies, develop new artworks and engage residents in creative activities that foster individual wellbeing and social cohesion. Celebrating 10 years as a public cultural space in 2026, the locally listed house urgently requires investment to safeguard its future.

Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of DCMS, this vital investment will ensure a sustainable future for the building, by resolving the insulation, damp and accessibility issues that threaten its viability as a public space. It will also enable the creation of a light-filled, new extension to the house to accommodate growing community demand and facilitate more local schools’ engagement (pictured).

Phase one of The White House renovations was successfully completed in 2016 by RIBA Stirling Prize-nominated architectural studio . Phase two of its redevelopment will thermally upgrade the historic building, replace failing windows and add a new extension. These improvements will reduce maintenance costs, support high‑quality artist residencies and expand creative participation for local audiences in one of London’s most culturally underserved boroughs.

Follow the link in our bio to read the full press release ⬆️

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Arts Council England Barking and Dagenham Council

On Saturday 25th April 12.45pm-3pm join us for Becontree Brilliant Trees, a Creative Walk with artist David Bennett 🌳🌲🌴

We will be exploring Becontree Estate's trees - silent witnesses to the estate’s 100-year history - from generations of residents to social, political and urban change. The walk will start and end at The White House Dagenham and will include a visit to David’s exhibition ‘Brilliant Trees: A Survey of Becontree Estate Street Trees’ at nearby Valence House Museum , as well as several stops on the way with creative prompts to get you drawing, photographing, writing or simply looking around.

You are welcome to bring a flask of tea and cake, and a picnic blanket to enjoy a restful break together en-route!

There will be an opportunity to submit your drawing, photo or text to be included in the Brilliant Trees exhibition during its final two weeks but you are also welcome just to come along and contemplate the prompts during the walk.

⏰ Please arrive at 12:45pm for a cup of tea - we will set off at 1pm and finish at 3pm.
🎟️ Tickets are free, please book your place via our bio!
👤 No skill necessary. Age 12+

Photo Credits:
David Bennett by Michaela Freeman
Woodward Road by David Bennett
Porters Ave by David Bennett
Basedale Road by David Bennett

creativewalk