Identity, Movement, the Thames and the Screen
This October mid-term, Brixton Wings brought together culture, sport, adventure and creative media in a week designed to build confidence, curiosity and resilience. Across the week, 16 young people took part in activities spanning identity and heritage, cognitive and physical skills, time on the water, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative industries.
Tuesday morning: The Afro Hair Effect Exhibition
We started the week at The Afro Hair Effect, curated by Flora Boa. The exhibit celebrates Afro and curly hair, with styles tracing back 5,000 years, and invites visitors to join a living archive and a movement against hair discrimination. The visit prompted thoughtful talks about hair, identity, self-expression, and belonging, with many people seeing their own experiences reflected.
Outcomes: Increased understanding of how hair connects to identity and heritage.
Tuesday afternoon: Basketball at Brixton Rec with Coach Tunde
In the afternoon, our young people headed to Brixton Recreation Centre for a basketball session with Coach Tunde. Rather than standard drills, the session included cognitive challenges that combined bouncing, balancing and shooting the ball, asking our young people to coordinate their bodies and their focus at the same time.
Outcomes: Improved coordination, concentration and multitasking under pressure. Increased confidence trying new drills.
Wednesday and Thursday: Rowing at Barn Elms
The middle of the week was spent on the water. Over two days, 10 young people rowed with Barn Elms, navigating the tidal Thames. Extended sessions like these give our young people time to build technique, learn to read the river, and work together as crews.
The week also brought a real test of resilience. One double capsized, but rather than being put off, the young people got back in and carried on.
“I liked how I came back on and didn’t get scared.”
— Brixton Wings participant
Outcomes: Progression in rowing technique across the sessions. Growth in teamwork, communication and resilience, including getting back in the boat after a capsize and continuing without fear.
Friday: Sky Arts Studios
We closed the week at Sky Arts Studios, where nine young people toured the facilities, took part in a hands-on workshop, and sampled a variety of production roles.
Outcomes: Awareness of careers in TV and the arts, creativity, confidence working in a professional setting.
What This Week Achieved
Across the week, 16 young people explored identity and heritage, developed physical and cognitive skills, built confidence and teamwork on the water, and discovered the creative industries up close. Moving from an exhibition space to the basketball court, the Thames and a professional studio within a single week gave them a wide range of ways to challenge themselves and discover new strengths.
Thank You
A big thank you to Flora Boa and the Afro Hair Effect team, Coach Tunde, Brixton Recreation Centre, the Barn Elms team and the team at Sky Arts Studios for their support and for giving our young people such a rich mid-term experience.
