‘Crossing The Street’, Shiraz Bayjoo

‘Crossing The Street’ brought together a diverse mix of local Cable Street residents and businesses. Cable Street is a rich environment ranging from the industrious past of the docks and the 1960’s railway overpass, to the tower blocks and 18-century Georgian mansions. The community is equally diverse and has seen great change over the last 100 years, from the anti-fascist riots of the 1930’s to the post war waves of immigration and gentrification.

The project brought together residents and businesses who answered an open call sent out by Shiraz Bayjoo in-conjunction with Wilton’s Music Hall. The participants engaged in a series of photographic workshops experiencing different photographic techniques to explore their personal and common identities, bringing together a greater sense of their community and life along Cable street.

The photographs comprise personal objects juxtaposed with domestic and work spaces, daily routines of work and play. The participants have added to the social history of the area by including their own chapters to the story through their photographs of their own lives and the area as they see it.

‘Crossing The Street’ was commissioned by HS Projects and funded by the Insight Community Arts Programme (2002 – 2015).

The project ran from July to December 2011.