A platform for Camden’s creatives to thrive
We want Camden’s estates and neighbourhoods to be healthy, sustainable and creative. And residents across the borough are leading community initiatives to help achieve this Mission, with support from the We Make Camden Kit.
One resident who’s supporting creativity to thrive across our neighbourhoods is Milli-Rose, founder of CrossWord Lyric.
Milli-Rose, tell us more about CrossWord Lyric:
“CrossWord lyric is a music and poetry platform that I started a year ago, with the intention of breaking barriers with “perfectionism” in the arts, building confidence, and creating space for both beginners and advanced performers to try out their work.”
“We do this through monthly open mics and writing workshops, and recently introduced CrossWord Vision, a night of music video and film screenings. We used the We Make Camden Kit grant to facilitate a workshop and outside open mic event at The British Library, which was met with such warmth, high energy and passersby engaging in creativity too.”
“CrossWord Lyric is open to all, I have been so humbled by the people who attend – being a part of spaces with people from all walks of life has been so inspiring.”
“…being a part of spaces with people from all walks of life has been so inspiring.”
Milli-Rose
What inspired CrossWord Lyric?
“It all started with a want to start a community, after immersing myself in the music and poetry scene in London.”
“I didn’t have a consistent creative community growing up so, when we landed our permanent place in Camden, I made it a mission to create and connect with as many spaces and people with the same ethos as me in Camden.”
“My mum, Alicia Hoser, is a huge part of why CrossWord Lyric exists. She’s a filmmaker, documenting people’s stories through film. She is currently working on a film that highlights the Climate Crisis and has the CrossWord community involved.”
Why is it important to have creative platforms like yours?
“Creating can be quite a lonely process. Having spaces like CrossWord Lyric encourages people to talk to people they may have never crossed paths with, collaborate and mix different art forms that they may have not tried before, and build confidence in a non-pressurised space.”
“Creativity and having your voice heard is not always an accessible for people, which is why I felt inspired to start this venture.”
“We have a beautiful community of supporters.”
“Crossword Lyric has been such an important part of my poetry journey this year. Milli-Rose has cultivated a space that calls like-minded people together, and it is truly felt in each event.”
Tara Alexx Jay (Poet, Playwright)
How has the We Make Camden Kit helped you?
“It’s given me confidence and the ability to grow my community, my network and to pursue CrossWord Lyric even more. Having recognition for what you’re doing is essential to carrying on. Knowing that the team at Camden Giving are there to support, guide and encourage you, makes all the difference.”
Why should other residents apply to the Kit?
“The We Make Camden Kit is an amazing opportunity to try something new. Camden Giving are incredibly supportive of making an idea a reality, with their trusting and supportive approach to funding a project.”
“Crossword Lyric is a family of artists who elevate each other, in a space where you can be vulnerable and heard.”
George (Sam des Fleurs – Poet, Spoken Word Artist)
What’s next for the platform?
“Next year, I hope to launch CrossWord Creatives which will be an eight week programme for people aged 18-30 to attend workshops and learn skills in the lead up to producing their own CrossWord Showcase.”
Get involved
Head over to CrossWord Lyric’s Instagram to find out how you can get involved and join the CrossWord Lyric family.
Apply for the We Make Camden Kit
Do you have a community idea you’d like to bring to life? Find out how the We Make Camden Kit could help you
