Hi all, I’m Tommy, a born ‘n’ bread East Londoner. I left a life of crime to become a creative mentor specialising in electronic dance music and production. I founded an organisation called Starbass two years ago; we bring the underprivileged together, nurture and uncover their talent, publicly highlighting them in worn and torn abandoned spaces.
I found ‘The Warehouse’ article of the RiverView online and took action, by squatting the abandoned premises and bringing it back to life, holding community workshops and meetings and setting up a music/skate/art event.
Starbass is a creative group in London using unconventional methods to empower isolated communities. Amidst London’s towering skyscrapers, a unique initiative thrives in the city’s underbelly. A collective of artists, educators, and social workers form an unorthodox union haven, utilising ‘squatting loopholes’ to create vibrant community centres in forgotten corners.
The Everyone Everyday Warehouse in Thames Road, Barking, a community hub, sadly closed a few months ago for commercial benefit, leaving the local community with scarce resources.
These spaces, free from the constraints of financial limitations, become breeding grounds for artistic expression. They provide a warm refuge for those who might otherwise lack the resources or opportunity to explore their creative sides. With salvaged materials and a shared sense of purpose, the group transforms neglected spaces into workshops, music studios, and art galleries.
The group’s unconventional approach extends beyond finding shelter. By exploiting legal loopholes surrounding unoccupied buildings, they challenge the status quo, sparking conversations about the allocation of unused urban spaces for social good.
This creative hub fosters a sense of belonging and community. It empowers individuals to discover hidden talents, build self-confidence, and forge connections with like-minded peers. The collaborative environment allows them to hone their skills, transforming their passions into potential pathways for a brighter future. In the picture, you’ll see DJ Tay, just 15 years old from Harlow. Her dad’s in prison and mum has passed away – she uses us as a coping mechanism. We have put her in contact with a recognised drum ‘n’ bass pioneer, distracting her from her depressing life and supporting her to build her social and musical skills.
The initiative’s impact transcends the realm of artistic expression. It injects a much-needed dose of colour and vibrancy into neglected areas, fostering a sense of community pride and ownership. It empowers individuals to find their voices and create positive change within their neighbourhoods.
In conclusion, this unconventional group in London is rewriting the narrative of opportunity. By offering a platform for creative exploration within resource-limited communities, they are not only nurturing artistic talents, but also fostering a sense of self-belief and community spirit. Their innovative approach serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the concrete jungles, creativity can bloom in the most unexpected places.
By Tommy
Founder of Starbass
N.B. The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) has since evicted Starbass from The Warehouse. At the time of writing this article The Warehouse remains empty. The local MP, Margaret Hodge, has worked with the Friends of the Warehouse group and sought to bring funders and the Council together to consider the Friends of the Warehouse request to reopen the building or provide a similar space.
