Creativity and Community
Nestled on the edge of Bartlett Park in East London, Poplar Union is more than just a community arts centre — it’s a vibrant, welcoming space where creativity, inclusion, and collective expression thrive. Since opening its doors, it has quietly blossomed into a place where art spills beyond galleries and stages, finding life in dance studios, gardens, café corners, and classrooms. It’s a home for everyone — artists, families, musicians, poets, schoolchildren, and elders alike.
At its heart, Poplar Union believes creativity is a powerful way to bring people together — to bridge differences, spark dialogue, and amplify voices often unheard. What makes this space truly special is how deeply rooted it is in the community, from grassroots workshops and family festivals to poetry nights and SEND-inclusive activities, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
A Canvas for All Kinds of Creativity
The walls at Poplar Union have seen a lot. They’ve hosted film screenings for babies (yes, really), live music from emerging local talent, and exhibitions from underrepresented artists. They’ve echoed with the rhythms of Afro-fusion dance, the laughter of toddlers during storytelling mornings, and the wisdom of elders during community discussions.
Programmes here are not about perfection—they’re about participation. Whether you’re a trained dancer or someone who’s never picked up a paintbrush, Poplar Union invites you to explore, play, and make something meaningful. The message is simple: your creativity matters.
Building a Tapestry of Community
What truly defines Poplar Union is its community-first approach. Creativity doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it grows best when nurtured by relationships, care, and local knowledge. The team here works tirelessly to make Poplar Union a space that reflects and serves the diverse communities of Tower Hamlets and beyond.
Whether it’s hosting free family days in the park, collaborating with local schools for arts education, or creating space for social prescribers to refer people into health-positive creative activities, Poplar Union makes sure art is woven into everyday life.
In recent months, the venue has seen a rise in community-led initiatives—from parent-led playgroups to mental health meet-ups, from Somali storytelling circles to Latin dance nights. The key is flexibility: Poplar Union isn’t prescriptive. It listens first, then responds, creating an ecosystem where community ideas take root and thrive.
A Home for Collaboration
Artists who work with Poplar Union often speak of the collaborative spirit that flows through the space. It’s not uncommon to see a dance artist collaborating with a poet, or a music facilitator teaming up with a youth theatre director. Poplar Union encourages experimentation across disciplines and cultures.
Its Accelerator Programme is one example of this ethos in action—supporting local creatives with mentoring, space, and funding to bring their ideas to life. Many of the artists involved in the programme go on to work directly with the community, creating a beautiful cycle of learning and sharing.
The Everyday Magic of Showing Up
What Poplar Union proves, again and again, is that community transformation doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet magic of showing up. Of turning up every Friday for Baby Cinema, even when it’s raining. Of chatting over coffee after a dance class. Of making something with your hands, and discovering something about yourself in the process.
The real power of Poplar Union lies in these moments. It’s in the friendships that form in the corridors, the confidence that grows in someone who’s just performed for the first time, the laughter of neighbours trying something new together. It’s about art that is made with people, not just for them.
Looking Ahead
As East London continues to change and evolve, Poplar Union remains a vital anchor—a reminder that creativity and care can be at the heart of community life. It’s a place where imagination meets action, where ideas are celebrated, and where everyone is encouraged to play a part.
So whether you’re a parent looking for inclusive play spaces, a young person searching for your voice, an elder with stories to share, or an artist hoping to connect—Poplar Union is yours. Bring your creativity. Bring your curiosity. Bring your community.
The door is open.
