VALENCE library project

In 2021, we will be celebrating the Becontree Centenary! For this occasion, Valence Library will turn into a Becontree Centenary Arts and Culture Hub to bring together a series of performances, workshops, commissions, courses and family activities in partnership with local organisations.

This is a great chance to work on something incredible with Arc Theatre, East End Women’s Museum, Greenshoes Arts, Studio 3 Arts, Barking & Dagenham Youth Dance, Creative Barking & Dagenham and the Serpentine Gallery.

There are loads of opportunities to get involved in the set up of this new hub for the community, from donating and upcycling your old chairs to helping to decorate the space by making soft furnishings like cushions, bean bags and curtains!

If you’d like to get involved in this project get in touch with a project designer or email Dan at dan@weareeveryone.org

DONATE A CHAIR

Have an extra chair you are not using? This is your chance to take part in the Valence Library project whilst decluttering your house at the same time! A total of 30 kitchen chairs donated all over the borough will find a new life in the community. You can even choose to dedicate your chair in the memory of someone and have their name displayed.

MAKE BEAN BAGS

Bean bags are great comfy chairs. Unusual and fun. They are soft, and close to the ground, perfect for little ones to sit in. Have a go at making some! Join a session to practise making a unique seat, using colourful fabric, and contribute to the celebrations at Valence Library!

REPAIR/ FIX A CHAIR

Don’t have a chair to donate? How about repairing a chair instead? Some of the chairs donated to Valence Library might need a bit of fixing before they can be used in the Library. This is your chance to do something hands on at home! Whether you’re a DIY lover or just want to get involved, why not join a repair session!

MAKE SEAT CUSHIONS

Are you handy with a sewing machine? To celebrate the centenary of the Becontree Estate, bring new use to old chairs! Create a cushion to fit a chair and make it a comfy new spot to sit and enjoy Valence Library. You can book a slot and use the sewing machines at the Warehouse!

PAINT A CHAIR

Bring new life to an old chair! We’ve all seen a stray chair in the streets. Have you ever thought about how you can bring it back into use? Every One Every Day can set you up to paint a chair. You can do this in your own time at home or join an online session along with others. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert everyone is welcome to join!

MAKE A BIRD HOUSE

Create homes for wild birds local to your area. You can put together and decorate a birdhouse or two, creating a safe haven for birds during the cold winter months. See which birds you can spot! Robins, Sparrows, blackbirds and many more will be attracted by a beautifully decorated new birdhouse.