The Great Flood of 1953 devastated communities across East England as the Thames rose to claim factories, homes and entire villages. 70 years later, this programme of free events and activities highlighted the inextricable and uncomfortable link between our industrial heritage and the effects of climate change in Barking & Dagenham.

Breaking Waves took place between Summer 2023 and Autumn 2024 and included major commissions, co-designing opportunities for residents, local filmmakers, after-school workshops and masterclasses, open air painting classes, birdwatching, mudlarking sessions and more. 

Find out more via our press release here.

Breaking Waves was commissioned by Create London and made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from Arts Council England and Art Fund.