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pollenarium by luke jerram

This September, we are presenting the world premiere of a major new artwork at Emerge East in Barking Riverside.

We commissioned world-renowned artist Luke Jerram to make a new artwork inspired by the ecology of Barking Riverside, and in response, he has created Pollenarium – a giant immersive pollen grain that will give us a unique bee’s-eye view of the natural landscape of Barking Riverside on Saturday 12 September when it premieres.

Pollenarium is part of Barking Riverside’s Emerge East festival programme, now in its fifth year.

Imagine Galleon Together

Galleon Arts Centre is entering an exciting new chapter and local people are part of shaping what comes next. Barking and Dagenham is a place full of creative people and energy. When it fully reopens, the Galleon Arts Centre has the potential to become a much-needed resource for local people. That is why we wanted its future to be shaped by the people who will use it. This is the first time in London that a cultural space has been planned in this way, and we are proud that Barking and Dagenham is leading the way.

You can read in interim report about the project here.

Funding News

Creative Barking and Dagenham has been awarded £1 million as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, which sees £42 million invested in 45 programmes from 2026–29, to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas across England where involvement in arts and culture is below the national average. In the next phase, we will collaborate closely with local people, communities, and partners to understand what truly matters to them.

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