In the east of London, on the north bank of the Thames is the Royal Docks. A unique water space and a site of huge historic importance to the UK’s trade industry, the Royal Docks in the borough of Newham is now one of the most significant regeneration projects in the country: home to London’s only Enterprise Zone, home to the Mayor of London’s City Hall and home to a vibrant, mixed-use destination with enterprise, culture and community at its heart.
This summer, the destination has unveiled an impressive programme of events to address the pressing need for sustainable solutions in the face of the climate crisis. At the Docks runs until 11 September, with international art, music and performance, family fun and unparalleled sporting events.
Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of Newham, spoke about the programme’s drive towards sustainability. She said: “It is fantastic to have At the Docks celebrating this special part of the borough. The focus on sustainability will act as a driver of conversation, engaging with our diverse communities to look to a more equitable, collaborative and sustainable future.
“These are the biggest and most important issues of the day, and we want to use the unparalleled Royal Docks setting to bring people together in a spirit of creativity and celebration to see how we can make a positive change for generations now and in the future.”
Headlining the season is Sea Change, a ground-breaking event bringing together international artists and academics from University College London (UCL). The term “Sea Change,” signifies the need for transformative actions to combat the climate crisis effectively by acknowledging a pivotal moment in the dock’s past—the transition from sail to steam power. This transition fuelled London’s trade expansion, leading to the challenges of industrialisation, globalisation, and climate change that we face today.
The results are a commentary on our sustainable existence: Simon Faithfull explores humanity’s interdependence with nature by turning his body into a pair of 3D-printed sculptures adapted for other species to reside within – such as a beehive in his own head! Dana Olărescu explores energy equity working with the Newham community and lower socio-economic groups to create a low-tech energy symbol. Melanie Manchot, inspired by histories of local protests for equality, filmed a group of women residents on a ‘flotilla’ of boats on the night-time waters of the Royal Docks. Raqs Media Collective from New Delhi created an augmented reality wave, superimposed upon live video footage of the still waters of the docks.
The UK’s first zero-waste venue, Greenhouse Theatre has a residency At The Docks, creating award-winning art in a radically sustainable way. The venue is made completely from found and recycled materials, with a clear roof, and no floor except the grass beneath your feet. The very architecture of the space helps people connect with the stories being told, each-other, and the natural world.
Later in the summer, the programme showcases how even motorsport can take a stance on a sustainable future, as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to ExCeL London for the 2023 Hankook London E-Prix. Thanks to the emissions-free nature of the cars, London features a unique track that weaves its way both inside and outside of the exhibition centre and around the historical heartland of the Royal Docks – a first for top-level international motorsport.
At the Docks embodies the urgency of our time, where art and academia converge to inspire sustainable action. By illuminating historical contexts and addressing contemporary challenges, this extraordinary programme serves as a beacon of hope celebrating creativity, encouraging dialogue, and paving the way for a sustainable future.
