“Kavi Darbar” a Major Success
Poetry Symposium /Meeting, Sunday 6th December 2009
A ‘Kavi Darbar’ is a gathering of poets who come to an open poetry event with their work, often requested upon invitation to prepare tributes and poetry writing to celebrate specific events in the Sikh religious and cultural calendar.
Kavi Darbar was initiated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Nanak or the 10th Guru of Sikhs. There were 52 poets in his darbar who used to recite poetry in his Darbar. Guru Gobind Singh Ji used to hold Kavi Darbar on the banks of river “Yamuna” at Paonta Sahib Gurdwara. Traditionally the birth of a Sikh Guru (a religious teacher) is marked by a dedicated Kavi Darbar, or durbar much the same as many cultural gatherings where ‘kavi ,’ the poet presents his or her poems or ‘kavita’ to the audience of other poets and community members who appreciate the creative aspects of skilled ‘wordcraft’ to address key topics. The poetry session is mostly held in the evenings after the completion of religious and cultural celebrations during the day.
The Sikh Community in Newham was the host to a national poetry presentation and many famous and well known poets accepted the invitation of Tarsem Singh Bhogal who is General Secretary of Panjabi Likhari Forum (U.K) , a Trustee of Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara and also for the Centre@270 Trust. Mr Bhogal chose a main theme, the first of which was the Celebration of the Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion. A second round of readings was by ‘open choice’ where poets presented their own selections, mostly of new writing, to a very enthusiastic audience who were treated to the work of visiting poets from London, the Midlands and the North. The event was held in association with a national poetry organisation known as “Likhari” a sister organisation of Panjabi Likhari Forum (U.K) whose work in the Panjabi language can be accessed via www.likhari.com
The following notable Sikh and Hindu poets who participated in the Kavi Darbar were:
1. Ajit Singh Sundar
2. Bhupinder Singh Sahota
3. Chaman Lal Chaman
4. Dharam Pal Sharma
5. Gurdeep Singh Sandhu
6. Gurdev Singh Dev
7. Gurdev Singh Manku
8. Harcharan Singh Sehmi
9. Mohinder Singh Sehmi
10. Nirpal Singh Penhall
11. Pritam Singh Kamboo (Dr.)
12. Sathi Ludhianvi
13. Sohan Rahi
14. Sohan Singh
15. Surinder Kaur
The audience gave special ovation to Sathi Luthianvi, a local poet whose work is well known and internationally respected, to celebrate the confirmation on him of an Honorary Doctorate in the Arts by the University of East London. Sathi Luhtianvi is also a presenter of a radio programme broadcast by Kismat Radio. There was much applause and one or two poets prepared impromptu addresses to congratulate him for this major achievement.
Chaman Lal Chaman, another internationally acclaimed poet and a presenter at the Panjab Radio. He presented his poems for the occasion and he was congratulated b y the host, Mr Bhogal, for his receipt of an award for the arts and culture for lifetime of success by the Asian Achievement Awards. Much of the poetry for the day was in the Panjabi language although some work was also presented in Hindi.
Another most acclaimed poet was Mr. Gurdeep Singh Sandhu , the Managing Editor of Punjab Mail International, a monthly well known Panjabi Magazine. He narrated his visit to Nankana Sahib, Panja Sahib and other historical Gurdwaras in Pakistan in his poetry. He was acclaimed many times by the audience during the reading of his poem.
PROPOSALS FOR THE FUTURE
Poetry is a pathway to the deepest meanings of life and a rich celebration of cultural diversity. It is felt that in future the work will be made more accessible through special translation and mainstreaming its presentation for local audiences and especially young people to help them enjoy the marvellous experience of creative work in their mother tongue. The selection of themes will also carefully depict the issues of interest to young audiences from all cultural backgrounds. Poetry helps to identify commonalities of experience through creative use of language and there is no reason why poets should not intermingle and present work in several languages.
A further aspiration is to provide translations and to culturally diverse work even more accessible. In this regard, while the cost of publication of new work can be prohibitive. Our proposal to provide a dedicated networking poetry internet site will help to create maximum outreach for all poetry enthusiasts in the Borough and indeed the region and beyond.
A proposed link with schools also deserves consideration. The creative aspects of interpretation will be most welcome in that poetry will also provide connections with events and shared issues. For example, a poem was presented on environmental conservation.
Your comments on the event and indeed the proposal for an interactive site are welcome. Please contact me with suggestions for establishing an accessible programme for all sections of the community.
Tarsem Singh Bhogal, Trustee
Email: tarsem.bhogal@sky.com
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
A NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE: Proposal for an International Heritage Centre
An Exceptional Proposition!
The Economics of the International Heritage Centre: Premises estimated at £2 million in value support the case for a grant for a large grant for refurbishment to launch a heritage programme and to establish a ‘service hub’ for heritage, culture and community development.
It is not often that a community organisation puts forward a proposal for development and also provides a contribution in the form of freehold assets worth £2 million as a part of the package for securing support for implementing a professionally researched Community Heritage Programme! A Prospectus, which is the core of a proposal for HLF funding is being converted into an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Centre@270 Trust intends to do. It is able to offer space at two premises which will be connected and collectively known as the Centre@270. The Development Plan for the International Heritage Centre covers a period of six years from 2009-2016. It is seeking HLF funding to refurbish the premises and to establish a state of the art programme featuring digital inclusion and direct presentation of the International Heritage Centre. The development work can be completed well before London 2012 and linked to provision at Stratford, the hub of the 2012 Games, which is less than four miles away from the proposed complex.
Focus on Priority Needs: An International Heritage Centre for Newham
CELEBRATING HERITAGE:
The Trust has been engaged in regular consultation with Newham Council’s Leisure and Cultural Services during the last few weeks. It has taken steps to outline projects which will help to maximise opportunities for reaching various audiences by investing in skills and expertise to provide a number of programmes for audience and partnership development. This is the best way of inviting people with talent and motivation to serve the community to work with us. The proposal consists of the following key outcomes:
The benefit of working with well established partners by first connecting with the policy priorities of Newham Council and then leveraging creative work while the Centre@270 develops its own programmes.
The launch of a new online community newsletter which is being sent to interested parties with regular upgrades. Keeping people informed is the key to winning their support and respect.
The launch of a dedicated community arts networking site, which will enable the Centre@270 to embark on a collaborative arts and cultural development programme. A number of projects are to be pursued. Please see http://eastendarts.ning.com The site is an integral part of our commitment to networking and communication and has been created by using the Centre’s own resources in order to maximise communication.
A new networking site featuring the time-based heritage and culture of the communities of Newham has been developed as a part of the forthcoming application
A commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, made possible by careful targeting of action in the planning process. Equal Opportunities policies are not a convenient ‘add-on’ but an integral part of the Centre’s development plan.
Demonstrating commitment to community engagement for all programmes. The Trustees welcome proposals for action from all sections of the community.
Benefits: A NEW HERITAGE AND CULTURAL HUB FOR NEWHAM
Centre@270 Trust aims to refurbish and upgrade premises located at ‘the complex’ i.e. 270 Neville Road and 231 Plashet Road to develop and implement ‘bottom-up’ community action programmes, consisting of various services, which
In summary, the Heritage programme expects to provide the following services and benefits:
The Economics of the International Heritage Centre: Premises estimated at £2 million in value support the case for a grant for a large grant for refurbishment to launch a heritage programme and to establish a ‘service hub’ for heritage, culture and community development.
The Board of Trustees of the Centre@270 Trust (now under incorporation) has reviewing proposals for providing Cultural and Heritage-based services to address Newham Council’s policies and priorities for culture and local economic development.
The Communities of Newham Centre@270 presents a programme for implementation in conjunction with HLF, Newham Council and local stakeholders interested in heritage, culture and economic development
The launch of a new online community newsletter which is being sent to interested parties with regular upgrades. Keeping people informed is the key to winning their support and respect.
The launch of a dedicated community arts networking site, which will enable the Centre@270 to embark on a collaborative arts and cultural development programme. A number of projects are to be pursued. Please see http://eastendarts.ning.com The site is an integral part of our commitment to networking and communication and has been created by using the Centre’s own resources in order to maximise communication.
A new networking site featuring the time-based heritage and culture of the communities of Newham has been developed as a part of the forthcoming application
A commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, made possible by careful targeting of action in the planning process. Equal Opportunities policies are not a convenient ‘add-on’ but an integral part of the Centre’s development plan.
Demonstrating commitment to community engagement for all programmes. The Trustees welcome proposals for action from all sections of the community.
Centre@270 Trust aims to refurbish and upgrade premises located at ‘the complex’ i.e. 270 Neville Road and 231 Plashet Road to develop and implement ‘bottom-up’ community action programmes, consisting of various services, which
- Connect with Newham Council’s policy priorities and service the needs of the Council
- Offer opportunities to provide services to the Council where it outsources its services supported by service level agreements
- Secure inward investment with matching contributions to run heritage programmes
- Offer secure prospects for income generation in order to meet costs and to subsidise other projects which may not be income bearing.
- Prepare for sustainability by introducing multi-faceted programmes and projects aimed at reducing risk
- Provide professional management skills at start up stage support local people develop local resources and skills
- Build exit strategies to reduce dependence on grant aid for projects and support action plans for becoming self-reliant
- Confirm bottom-up approach through extensive consultation and teambuilding based on winning trust and respect.
In summary, the Heritage programme expects to provide the following services and benefits:
- Partnership Programmes to promote heritage action
- Direct service provision to Newham Council Heritage Services
- Heritage and Education Links: services for schools
- Heritage@270: The International Heritage Centre
- Developing Digital Inclusion to promote development of heritage programmes
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Centre Newsletter
Open Access to Information
For us, open access communication is the key! We need to keep Newham residents fully informed about our plans and new proejct developments. They should have opportunities to ask for information which will be supplied in the newsletter.
An electronic newsletter is available now. It will also suit people who like to access simple documents and can print them (although not good for the environment) for future use.
Please send an email to Kalwant Ajimal to request a copy and to register on our database.
The address is kalwant.ajimal@btinternet.com
We look forward to hearing from you.
For us, open access communication is the key! We need to keep Newham residents fully informed about our plans and new proejct developments. They should have opportunities to ask for information which will be supplied in the newsletter.
An electronic newsletter is available now. It will also suit people who like to access simple documents and can print them (although not good for the environment) for future use.
Please send an email to Kalwant Ajimal to request a copy and to register on our database.
The address is kalwant.ajimal@btinternet.com
We look forward to hearing from you.
KEY LINKS FOR KEEPING IN TOUCH
Keeping in touch!
This site is aimed at bringing all aspects of information to Newham based residents, partners, collaborators as well as potential beneficiaries, who are also invited to work with the Centre.
Here are some links to note. Please visit these sites to keep yourself informed. The Centre hopes to update all information on a regular basis.
Arts and Culture at the Centre@270
A dedicated site created by the Centre to maintain regular communications:
http://eastendarts.ning.com
This site is aimed at bringing all aspects of information to Newham based residents, partners, collaborators as well as potential beneficiaries, who are also invited to work with the Centre.
Here are some links to note. Please visit these sites to keep yourself informed. The Centre hopes to update all information on a regular basis.
Arts and Culture at the Centre@270
A dedicated site created by the Centre to maintain regular communications:
http://eastendarts.ning.com
Community Action for Newham
Launching Several Programmes and projects:Driven by challenge, innovation and partnerships and covering key areas of need.
Introducing Centre@270 Trust
The Centre @270 Trust (under incorporation) is working on a new programme of activities to provide community development programmes to the people of Newham. There are three drivers for success:
• Challenge: Community development is a priority for the Borough of Newham. It is clear that local Councils are unable to provide a vast range of critical services on their own. The Centre sees itself as a viable voluntary sector partner which has some resources of its own but also needs support to work closely with the Council. “Doing more of the same” that is, providing services in the way that have always been provided is no longer an option. The Centre will work closely with its members but also engage with other sections of the community to challenge existing provision and to develop new and more effective services.
• Innovation: The Centre wishes to examine more innovative approaches for serving the needs of its members and other similar beneficiaries.
• Partnerships: The Centre is also interested in examining new options for working along with other service providers and offer greater benefits for all partners by sharing skills and expertise.
The Centre sees itself as a developer of programmes and a professional presenter of services following incorporation. This will enable it to offer high quality of employment opportunities to all communities and also train and develop new teams for the future. These initiatives will take time. The Centre’s new Business Plan will highlight detailed options for development.
In the case of arts and culture, the Centre will be inviting other providers from outside the Borough until a long-term plan for offer high quality locally developed events and festivals can be offered. In all cases the intellectual property rights of work which is brought into the borough for presentation at the Centre will belong to the agencies providing that work. The Centre will jointly own any new programmes and projects that it creates in conjunction with local partners.
Introducing Centre@270 Trust
The Centre @270 Trust (under incorporation) is working on a new programme of activities to provide community development programmes to the people of Newham. There are three drivers for success:
• Challenge: Community development is a priority for the Borough of Newham. It is clear that local Councils are unable to provide a vast range of critical services on their own. The Centre sees itself as a viable voluntary sector partner which has some resources of its own but also needs support to work closely with the Council. “Doing more of the same” that is, providing services in the way that have always been provided is no longer an option. The Centre will work closely with its members but also engage with other sections of the community to challenge existing provision and to develop new and more effective services.
• Innovation: The Centre wishes to examine more innovative approaches for serving the needs of its members and other similar beneficiaries.
• Partnerships: The Centre is also interested in examining new options for working along with other service providers and offer greater benefits for all partners by sharing skills and expertise.
The Centre sees itself as a developer of programmes and a professional presenter of services following incorporation. This will enable it to offer high quality of employment opportunities to all communities and also train and develop new teams for the future. These initiatives will take time. The Centre’s new Business Plan will highlight detailed options for development.
In the case of arts and culture, the Centre will be inviting other providers from outside the Borough until a long-term plan for offer high quality locally developed events and festivals can be offered. In all cases the intellectual property rights of work which is brought into the borough for presentation at the Centre will belong to the agencies providing that work. The Centre will jointly own any new programmes and projects that it creates in conjunction with local partners.
Additional proposals are being developed to address other core priorities in the borough. These proposals will include programmes for Adults, Children and Young People. Research of a high quality and extensive consultation with all the communities in Newham is the key to the Centre’s success of these new programmes. The Centre sees these developments as opportunities for members of the Sikh community and all other community providers to plan and deliver new services.
It is not just all about Culture!
The Centre@270 Trust expects to run a wide range of programmes. As indicated above, the name of the organisation responsible for effective management and utilisation of the premises and facilities is The Centre@270 Trust Limited. The individual programmes of the centre may have generic names such as those listed below to create a uniform brand identity in order to achieve benefits of promoting the services and the outputs of the Centre. Examples are:
Culture@270 programme, with a uniform logo shown below
Communities@270 programme
Youth @270 programme
Learning and Skills@270 Programme
Action for Adults@270 programme
Care for the elderly, to be summarised as Care@270 programme
Action for engagement of women, to be presented as Women@270 Programme, with women to be involved in the development and leadership of the programme.
It is anticipated that each of the above programmes will be developed over a suitable period of time but not exceeding one year from the date of the launch of the cultural programme which goes into local consultation during November 2009. Each programme strand will be supported by dedicated promotions, marketing and communications and have their own websites or networking sites or both as appropriate.
Appeal for Volunteers: We need your help to make further progress! Join us to develop a volunteering programme,
The Centre@270 Trust expects to run a wide range of programmes. As indicated above, the name of the organisation responsible for effective management and utilisation of the premises and facilities is The Centre@270 Trust Limited. The individual programmes of the centre may have generic names such as those listed below to create a uniform brand identity in order to achieve benefits of promoting the services and the outputs of the Centre. Examples are:
Culture@270 programme, with a uniform logo shown below
Communities@270 programme
Youth @270 programme
Learning and Skills@270 Programme
Action for Adults@270 programme
Care for the elderly, to be summarised as Care@270 programme
Action for engagement of women, to be presented as Women@270 Programme, with women to be involved in the development and leadership of the programme.
It is anticipated that each of the above programmes will be developed over a suitable period of time but not exceeding one year from the date of the launch of the cultural programme which goes into local consultation during November 2009. Each programme strand will be supported by dedicated promotions, marketing and communications and have their own websites or networking sites or both as appropriate.
Appeal for Volunteers: We need your help to make further progress! Join us to develop a volunteering programme,
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Facilties
Plans for Refurbishment
The Centre is committed to offering a high quality community space for local residents and participants in its programmes. Consequently a refurbishment programme is also a priority. A specialist working group will be set up to propose a comprehensive plan for upgrading the premises. This is going to be a challenge, leaving management and partners to work out how some of the essential programmes can be presented while the refurbishment takes place.
Background to Cultural Programmes
Kalwant Ajimal is the Programme Director for the entire Centre@270 action plan. He is responsible for the launch of the new programmes at the Centre. Kalwant has had an opportunity to carry out important work for Newham Council in 2006/07 when Peter Appleton was Head of Culture. Kalwant was asked to carry out a review of cultural provision in the Borough and as an integral part of a review he also highlighted a number of new cultural diversity projects for the Borough. He has also put forward proposals for ‘mainstreaming’ new work which means that all sections of the community can access cultural events. Local artists and cultural providers will be invited to attend a number of Consultation Days when new options for offering projects will be considered. The Centre will also submit applications to various arts and cultural funders as soon as secure and innovative projects have been identified.
Action to Deliver a Cultural Plan
During the next three months, the Centre will be launching and embedding the Culture@270 programme at 270 Neville Road and the other parts of the Complex which can be accessed via Plashet Road. Collaboration with local organisations and individuals with special expertise has been prioritised. The Centre is expected to develop internal capacity to plan and implement its own work programmes over a period of time. A new Programme Committee along with dedicated project teams will be charged with the responsibility to develop new events for local delivery. As indicated above, the Centre’s Culture Programme will also be driven by challenge, innovation and partnerships.
Local projects will be identified development. During this period Asian Arts Access will be running one of its most successful arts events and productions in Newham, again working in conjunction with local artists and partners. Kalwant Ajimal is the Founder of this organisation and also acts as ‘executive producer’. Please see http://www.asianartsaccess.org/ for some of the background.
Outcomes from Previous Studies
Kalwant Ajimal presented a report and an outline feasibility study to Newham Council, as referred to above. It proposed the following work for future development in Newham in conjunction with local audiences and partners.
• Drumbeat- An International Festival of Percussion to be connected with ‘Newham Bhangra Explosion’
• The East London River Festival to be developed in Newham with support from all communities which have river and coastal cultures.
• A Festival of Ephemeral Arts http://www.ephemeralarts.com/ to be provided by Asian Arts Access on a selective basis.
• Masks with Meaning- new work under development by Asian Arts Access is set to form the basis for an application for funding and to run the festival at the Centre.
In addition, management has been in consultation with film screen agencies to offer new opportunities for film producers and audiences. Kalwant Ajimal is planning to renew his well known and respected film festival known as Fillum! However, for the long term the Centre expects to develop its own film festival, working in conjunction with local partners, film enthusiasts and local audiences to generate interest in film as an accessible artform.
A new website and networking site for Culture!
Further information on arts and cultural programmes and regualr updates on local action for developing a community cultural space will be provided on the Centre’s cultural website.
Please see http://eastendarts.ning.com/
Your link to programmes relating to Culture. Please keep in touch.
The Centre is committed to offering a high quality community space for local residents and participants in its programmes. Consequently a refurbishment programme is also a priority. A specialist working group will be set up to propose a comprehensive plan for upgrading the premises. This is going to be a challenge, leaving management and partners to work out how some of the essential programmes can be presented while the refurbishment takes place.
Background to Cultural Programmes
Kalwant Ajimal is the Programme Director for the entire Centre@270 action plan. He is responsible for the launch of the new programmes at the Centre. Kalwant has had an opportunity to carry out important work for Newham Council in 2006/07 when Peter Appleton was Head of Culture. Kalwant was asked to carry out a review of cultural provision in the Borough and as an integral part of a review he also highlighted a number of new cultural diversity projects for the Borough. He has also put forward proposals for ‘mainstreaming’ new work which means that all sections of the community can access cultural events. Local artists and cultural providers will be invited to attend a number of Consultation Days when new options for offering projects will be considered. The Centre will also submit applications to various arts and cultural funders as soon as secure and innovative projects have been identified.
Action to Deliver a Cultural Plan
During the next three months, the Centre will be launching and embedding the Culture@270 programme at 270 Neville Road and the other parts of the Complex which can be accessed via Plashet Road. Collaboration with local organisations and individuals with special expertise has been prioritised. The Centre is expected to develop internal capacity to plan and implement its own work programmes over a period of time. A new Programme Committee along with dedicated project teams will be charged with the responsibility to develop new events for local delivery. As indicated above, the Centre’s Culture Programme will also be driven by challenge, innovation and partnerships.
Local projects will be identified development. During this period Asian Arts Access will be running one of its most successful arts events and productions in Newham, again working in conjunction with local artists and partners. Kalwant Ajimal is the Founder of this organisation and also acts as ‘executive producer’. Please see http://www.asianartsaccess.org/ for some of the background.
Outcomes from Previous Studies
Kalwant Ajimal presented a report and an outline feasibility study to Newham Council, as referred to above. It proposed the following work for future development in Newham in conjunction with local audiences and partners.
• Drumbeat- An International Festival of Percussion to be connected with ‘Newham Bhangra Explosion’
• The East London River Festival to be developed in Newham with support from all communities which have river and coastal cultures.
• A Festival of Ephemeral Arts http://www.ephemeralarts.com/ to be provided by Asian Arts Access on a selective basis.
• Masks with Meaning- new work under development by Asian Arts Access is set to form the basis for an application for funding and to run the festival at the Centre.
In addition, management has been in consultation with film screen agencies to offer new opportunities for film producers and audiences. Kalwant Ajimal is planning to renew his well known and respected film festival known as Fillum! However, for the long term the Centre expects to develop its own film festival, working in conjunction with local partners, film enthusiasts and local audiences to generate interest in film as an accessible artform.
A new website and networking site for Culture!
Further information on arts and cultural programmes and regualr updates on local action for developing a community cultural space will be provided on the Centre’s cultural website.
Please see http://eastendarts.ning.com/
Your link to programmes relating to Culture. Please keep in touch.
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