Stanley Reimagined

In partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Stanley Arts recently welcomed a group of young people from Sutton Virtual School for a week of creative workshops. The group took part in historical tours, explored mosaic making and wrote their own creative responses to our beautiful building. In celebration of Stanley Arts’ rich heritage, the group wrote this group poem, celebrating the building and imagining its possible futures.

Stanley Reimagined

I was born of love, art and passion,
in the early 20th century
from an idea of community and the people.

If these walls could talk, they’d complain.
They would mention stolen beauties,
Dramatic arguments,
Obnoxious friendships,
Wailing mourners and their ghoulish ghosts
Grape throwing plaques,
Secretive doors,
Cantankerous keys of an old-fashioned piano,
Silly games and radiator eyesores.

Today I am a place where community can come together
And bond over culture.
I am a place where children can beatbox together,
Where crafting can bring out your inner child
And where goblins come to market.

But tomorrow I will be a part of history by showcasing me!
Tomorrow will include:
More educational material
Roller derby, chai lattes,
Workshops that are community led that will benefit our relationships with each other,
Dressing up corners,
Elon Musk killers, etc…

At the end of the world, Stanley Arts will have a legacy left by the people who have contributed to this
deed.

I might be made of bricks and mortar, but I’m worth more in memories.

I’ll leave you with this poem of Stanley Reimagined, to commemorate this week of activity.