The Council-run Hackney Museum is to work with local people of the Cazenove ward to explore what community means to them through a series of free events, workshops and other planned activities.

The three year project has been awarded £150,000 from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) who awards grants to initiatives which are designed to help people realise their potential and enjoy a better quality of life with a particular focus on projects deemed to 'break new ground'.  Our Museum, the title for the project, will see thoughts and stories gathered from the Cazenove community documented in an interactive exhibition to launch in January 2014.

The events-led programme will run throughout 2013 and is to be driven by local people's ideas and needs through the support of a network of key community representatives.  People who live and work, go to school in, or are part of community groups within the ward are invited to contribute.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture said: "We want to hear from people of all ages and backgrounds to get to root of what community means to the people in one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the borough, if not the country.  The people of Hackney continue to inform and bring to life the museum's ongoing programme of interactive exhibitions and workshops.   We're setting out on a really exciting journey with this one and we very much look forward to doing it alongside the Cazenove community."

 If you live in the Cazenove Ward we'd love to hear what community in your area means to you.  You can can speak to someone by calling 020 8356 2838 or email us at our.museum@hackney.gov.uk.  Also see the website for the latest and information and events www.hackney.gov.uk/our-museum