Aldgate Connect BID Supports Artichoke Summer School 2025

Funding from Aldgate Connect BID supports a third year of Artichoke’s Summer School, an engaging week-long summer programme designed for young people from low-income families in Aldgate, Tower Hamlets and surrounding areas.

Young participants had the opportunity to explore different art forms, from collaborating with Spitalfields City Farm on cyanotypes, to co-creating a large mural with artist Tasnim Mahdy. This programme continues to ensure a balance of fun, learning, and personal expression. The laughter, new friendships, and the excitement of trying new things made this a truly special week for everyone involved.

What Aldgate Connect BID support made possible:
• Co-creating a large mural with artist Tasnim Mahdy.
• Making cyanotypes in collaboration with Spitalfields City Farm.
• Photography workshop with Sharp Shots.
• World music drumming workshop with The Music Workshop Company.
• Sketchbook making.
• Stencilling and street art.
• Designing characters with clay.

Growth and Key Milestones Since Launch
This year, Artichoke introduced a waitlist for the programme to reflect growing demand for the Summer School. Participation rose from 8 young people in 2024 to 14 young people in 2025, demonstrating both rising demand and community trust. The Whitechapel Gallery provided art studio space. The programme enjoyed three returning participants from the 2024 Summer School and for the third consecutive year Artichoke worked with artist and facilitator Tasnim Mahdy.

Outcomes
• 100% of participants responded that they enjoyed themselves.
• 92% of participants said it helped them express themselves creatively.
• 83% said it helped boost their confidence.
• 100% of participants said that it helped them to learn new creative skills.
• 92% said they would come back again.

Aldgate Connect BID are delighted to see such positive impact from our collaboration with Artichoke, and are proud to have lent our support to the Summer School 2025!