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Here East’s Creative Ecosystem
East London has long been a hub where boundaries are pushed and new ideas take shape; where music, art, technology, and performance collide to create something bold and new.
This month, Here East celebrated two major cultural moments that capture this creative spirit: the opening of the David Bowie Centre at the V&A East Storehouse, and The Nervous System (UMBILICAL), a new exhibition by renowned artist Conrad Shawcross here on our campus.
A tribute to one of the world’s most iconic performers, the Bowie Centre brings together more than 90,000 items from the legendary artist’s archive - stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, and personal ephemera – offering the public an unprecedented window into his creative world. More than a celebration of Bowie’s artistry, the centre also acts as a cultural anchor for East London, inspiring new generations of musicians, artists, and performers.
Just around the corner from the Storehouse, Conrad Shawcross also opened the doors to his latest commission from The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), UMBILICAL – a monumental, rope-weaving machine that stands 10 metres high and 12 metres wide.
Known for his large-scale mechanical sculptures, Shawcross’ installation features 40 interlocking arms orbiting in patterns that will never repeat. Both technically complex and visually mesmerising, it invites visitors to reflect on time, connection, and chaos - a striking landmark that brings public art to life at the heart of Here East.
Together, the arrival of the Bowie Centre and Shawcross’ work underlines East London’s growing reputation as a destination for culture, creativity, and community.
Home to global cultural institutions, cutting-edge artists, and emerging talent, it’s a place where archives meet modernity, where engineering intersects with fine art, and where the next generation of creators and performers can grow.
As East London continues to evolve as one of London’s most dynamic cultural districts, these openings show the power of creativity to shape place and identity. At Here East, we’re proud to play our part in that story, and to host the artists, institutions, and audiences who make it thrive.
V&A East Images by David Parry
