Abstract

Join colleagues from LCF and Newham Sixth Form College in a discussion about an evolving classroom collaboration between Level 3 Fashion and Textiles sixth-form students from Newham and Level 5 students on the BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media (CPFM) at LCF. Whilst the first instance of the project was well-meaning, it revealed some problematic power dynamics between HE and FE in part to do with LCFs role as newcomer to Newham. We invite you to discuss the successes and challenges of collaborating within these dynamics and think about how we might model and develop collaborations in our local communities more equitably for more radical and socially just outcomes.

Session and activities

The collaboration began in 2022-23 prior to LCF’s move to East Bank and was designed to prepare LCF students for the move as well as give them an opportunity to learn about Newham and its communities. CPFM students were tasked with designing and proposing a fashion exhibition or cultural experience for the new building that would attract young people from Newham and engage them in sustainability discourse. Supported by LCF’s outreach team, New Vic students experienced a ‘taster’ session which would also position LCF as a viable HE option. Whilst the project was well-meaning, it revealed some problematic power dynamics between HE (a largely wealthy and mobile international cohort) and FE (a largely global majority migrant cohort in lower IMD). The intention was for LCF to learn about our future community, but did we in fact impose our values and practices on an existing one? Was our end goal outreach and raising aspirations of a local community, or simply recruitment in a sector in trouble? We invite you to discuss the successes and challenges of collaborating within these dynamics and think about how we might model and develop collaborations in our local communities more equitably for more radical and socially just outcomes.