The start of October saw the launch of the Kibera Project at Mount Street Galleries. Sponsored by the Soho House Group, the project was established to raise funds for a creative department at St John’s School in Kibera, Kenya – the location of Africa’s largest slum.

In 2010, four artists – including the renowned painter James Hart Dyke – travelled to Kibera to produce work inspired by the slum. The result of that trip was an selection of vibrant and moving artworks, which were exhibited in the gallery from October 4th-10th.

The prints and artwork from the exhibition are now available for sale at www.lifeinkibera.org with all proceeds going directly to this very worthy cause.

For any further enquiries, please email kibera@sohohouse.com

On Monday the 14th of March, we hosted a preview screening of the brilliant Brit flick Submarine, in support of The Ministry of Stories.

The screening packed out The Aubin cinema and was introduced by Nick Hornby. In addition there was a wonderful, witty Q & A with the author Joe Dunthorne and the director Richard Ayowade (of IT crowd fame)after the film.

After the Q & A, guests were invited up to the Secret Garden in Shoreditch House, where we held a reception, at which Nick Hornby then gave a very inspiring talk about the importance of The Ministry of Stories.

The Ministry of Stories is a literacy charity, which endeavours to develop reading and writing skills through creativity and imagination enhancing classes, which take place in the back room of a ‘monster supply shop’. The Ministry of Stories aims to inspire a nation of storytellers. The charity runs free writing workshops and mentoring for young people aged 8-18 in East London, supported by volunteer writers, teachers and artists. MoS believes in the power of writing to unleash young people’s extraordinary imaginations, build their confidence and self-respect and enhance their ability to communicate and understand.

The evening raised over £2500 through tickets, donations and the sale of ‘Monster supplies’ and is what we hope will be the start of a long and fruitful relationship with this local community enhancing program.

Submarine Trailer from Erik Alexander Wilson on Vimeo.