After having already operated informally for several years, the North African Arts W10 was launched in July 2008 during the Festival of Diversity which took place at the Inn On The Green as part of the “1958 Remembered” week-long event. The aim of NAA W10 is two fold: to promote artists living in the area of Ladbroke Grove-Portobello; and to introduce the richness of North African arts to the wide
r community. While a strong emphasis is placed on the local anchorage of the artists who fully participate in the daily life of Ladbroke Grove, at the same time, strong transnational links exist with NAA’s creation stemming from a similar initiative in the suburbs of Paris (BLK). A large part of the association’s activities are linked to music, the association acting as an interface between the artists and the musical industry. Firstly, by supporting existing artists by providing them with new opportunities for performing and recording; and secondly by fostering new talent by a view to helping people climb the long ladder towards professionalism. Other Arts are also encouraged, such as the partnership developed with the Youth Inclusion Program in order to offer a program on Multicultural Cuisine Healthy Cooking Club. Although NAA W10 aspires to bring together and promote the numerous Ladbroke Grove-based artists originating from North Africa, the organisation does not simply restrict its actions to North Africans. On the contrary, it aims to reach the entire local community and encompasses several talented artists from other parts of the world. NAA W10 is based in the vibrant cultural venue and community hub The Inn on the Green, whose Director Dave Pitt, is the NAA’s treasurer. The organisation is currently Directed by the long-term social activist Mounir Saidoune, while the artistic direction is co-led by the Conscience people Studio Director John James and the musician Tayeb Fghoul.
