Join us at The Tin Tabernacle for the ACTIVATE & ANIMATE: EXHIBITION LAUNCH + FILM SCREENING! This special afternoon will showcase the vibrant community and diverse history of Kilburn through innovative artworks and the premiere of “Everyday Magic,” a film by Anna Bowman that delves into Kilburn’s past, present, and future. Explore a series of site-specific installations at the Kilburn Library, where local artists and historians have collaborated to bring Kilburn’s unique story to life. Mark your calendars and be part of celebrating our community’s rich cultural tapestry!

ACTIVATE & ANIMATE is a transformative series of programs that delve into the vibrant community and rich history of Kilburn. This project, curated by PAPRIKA Collective, is a socially engaged initiative designed to reflect and enhance Kilburn’s unique cultural identity through art, community collaboration, and historical reflection.

• Documentary Film: “Everyday Magic – 200 years of creative Kilburn ” by Anna Bowman unravels Kilburn’s rich tapestry of history, capturing its evolution from past to present and visions for the future. This film offers an in-depth look at the locale through cinematic storytelling.

Everyday Magic – 200 years of creative Kilburn from its fields and healing wells in the 1830s to its vibrant, ever-changing present. The 30 minute essay film explores Kilburn through books set in the area, buildings including the iconic Gaumont State, Tin Tabernacle and the former Kilburn branch library (now Women’s Centre), including conversations and memories, exhibitions, events and music. Memories and personal archives are included along with items from Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre.

• Photographic Exhibition: John Morrison presents a compelling photographic series of shop owners from Kilburn Square, an area on the brink of redevelopment. This exhibition provides a face to the changing landscape, preserving the essence of community through visual narratives.

• Community Workshops: Led by Dr. Sunju Lee, these workshops engage children from Kilburn Grange Primary School in creating artworks that reflect their sensory experiences and perceptions of their surroundings. Elena Besussi, lecturer in Plan Making and Strategic Planning at The Bartlett School of Planning (UCL), complements these sessions by introducing urban mapping tools, enhancing the children’s understanding of spatial relationships and community dynamics.

• Sound Installation: Sharon Gal and Ada Hao’s audio installation brings to life the oral histories of Kilburn, crafted from local voices collected by Ada from PAPRIKA Collective over two years. This sound piece reflects the community’s experiences amidst local infrastructural transformations, offering an auditory journey through the memories and stories of Kilburn’s residents.

“Activate & Animate” is not just an exhibition but a movement to redefine the traditional role of libraries as vibrant community hubs. This series is an invitation to all community members to contribute, learn, and celebrate the spirit of Kilburn. Whether you’re drawn to historical insights or artistic expression, “Activate & Animate” offers something for everyone.

Activate & Animate is a project curated by PAPRIKA Collective. It is commissioned by Camden Libraries.

Contact Information: For more details, visit our website or contact us directly at paprikacollective@gmail.com.

Access Information:

• Light refreshments will be available.
• Flexible seating with supportive chairs will be provided.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible; however, please note that the toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
• Directions: A 5-minute walk from Kilburn Park (Bakerloo Line) or Kilburn High Road Overground; a 10-minute walk from Kilburn Station (Jubilee Line) or Brondesbury Overground. Well-served by bus routes 31, 316, 32, 328, 332, 98, 16, and 206, stopping at Kilburn High Rd Cambridge Ave.

Please inform us of any specific access needs or requirements by emailing us at paprikacollective@gmail.com.