Cultural Hackney

African drumming ensemble performing on stage, wearing colourful traditional clothing.

Cultural Hackney is a grant programme from Hackney Council which supports communities to deliver cultural activities that reflect and celebrate the borough's rich diversity and heritage.

The first round was launched in January 2024, attracting 111 applications. A total of 12 grants were awarded to a diverse range of organisations, most of whom have not previously received funding from the Council’s Culture team.

The funded projects take place at venues across the borough throughout the year.  Some projects are for specific community groups only, others are aimed at targeted age groups or communities, and some are open to all.  We hope that you find something of interest!

Check out the recipients of our latest funding round, and keep your eyes out for future events in the What’s on calendar.

Who and what we supported in 2025/26

  • A young POC wears large and colouful jewelry, they perspire like that have been dancing and appear to be topless

    Queer Square

    by VFDaltson!
    21 June 2025

    A free, daytime event featuring creative workshops becoming an outdoor dance party centred on LGBTQIA+ and POC.

  • An Erbane drum stands upright on a table infront ogf other stringed and traditional instruments

    Day-Mer Festival

    by Day-Mer
    6 Jul 2025

    Erbane drumming workshops leading up to a showcase at Day-Mer festival of Turkish and Kurdish culture in July.

  • Jazz singer Georgia Cecile stand against a red background, she wears red sunglasses, she has long wavy hair and a multicoloured top

    De Beauvoir Jazz Festival

    by De Beauvoir Jazz Festival
    11-12 July 2025

    The inaugural De Beauvoir Jazz Festival features jazz talents from Hackney, across the UK and internationally.

  • Two luggae swing tages one pink and one blue written with dreams from young writers, one is mermaid and one is a cowboy

    Dreamstate

    by Ministry of Stories
    28 Jul - 02 Aug 2025

    Dreamstate is an interactive adventure for exploring dreams and wishes of young writers through eight fantastical rooms.

  • a young black person with round glasses, short hair, a gold shiny top and white bandana around their neck gestures as if acting

    Graeae Young Company

    by Graeae
    December 2025

    For Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, who are 16+, love theatre and acting and wish to develop their performance skills.

  • a group of irish elders sing in a choir, wearing white shirts and green sashes

    The Music, Songs and Stories…

    by Irish Elderly Advice Network
    05 Dec 2025

    A beautiful celebration of Irish music, songs and stories. A powerful intergenerational music project.

  • A group of people in African traditional dress play drums and raise their arms

    Hackney Circle Drumming

    by One Drum & Hackney Circle
    December 2025

    A series of drumming workshops led by One dRum for Hackney’s over 55s. With an exciting end of term performance!

  • This is Hackney

    by Dalston Eastern Curve garden
    Oct - Dec 2025

    100 individual, lovingly crafted ‘3D self portraits by Hackney residents take up residency in Dalston CLR James Library.

On now & coming up

Whats on
This is Hackney
Sep 21
This is Hackney
The Music, Songs and Stories of the Irish Elders and Friends
Dec 1
The Music, Songs and Stories of the Irish Elders and Friends

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