Short Description
Newham is the beating heart of London’s culture and one of the city’s most diverse boroughs. Home to a vibrant community of artists, performers, musicians, and production agencies, it is the capital’s newest cultural destination. Some of the UK’s most ambitious and dynamic cultural regeneration is taking place in this pioneering borough, including the Royal Docks, which fast growing to become London’s Cultural Engine.
A brand new festival from London’s Cultural Engine, Royal Docks Originals will present world-class arts, spectacular new installations, and premier performances for three weeks in Autumn 2025.
Launching on 15th September, more than 50 events will respond to the Royal Docks stunning land and waterscape. The festival will enable artists, Londoners, and visitors to explore the area’s past and future through the lens of transformation, revealing the stories, history, heritage and aspirations of the Royal Docks and its diverse community.
The theme of Royal Docks Originals 2025 is transformation, and the programme will reflect
the evolution of the area and its pivotal role, past and present, in London’s complex story as
a global city
Eligibility
We are looking to commission any form of artistic expression, whether in visual arts, sound, digital media, performance or spoken word. Examples of activities that we’re looking to commission could be an exhibition using a vacant shop unit, a live installation, or a sound/music/dance/performance in the public realm. These are just a few suggestions; we’re excited to hear your creative ideas and we welcome any proposal from creatives who work across the arts. You do not have to be a resident of Newham to apply; if you are a creative with a connection to Royal Docks or Newham, we’d love to hear from you!
Submission Requirements
Outline of your proposal, preferred dates, technical requirements, and provide a basic budget
breakdown.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
Hive Curates is commissioning a series of live events with the following budgets:
● 5 x £1,000 Live Series – open to performance, sound, and digital artists
● 4 x £500 live performance fee – open to visual artists, musicians and performers.
Entry Fee
None
Location
London, United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 3 June 2025
- Festival dates: 15 September onwards for up to 3 weeks
