Katakata is a black owned and run community hub and arts venue, based on Brixton Hill since 2015. KataKata originates from the Cameroonian dialect of Douala, meaning to be creative in overcoming challenges in the face of difficulty. This is what Katakata represents. Our mission is to hold an open space where all can meet and connect as equals to offer mutual support. We aim to reduce inequalities, empower people, and enhance health, wellbeing and creativity for Lambeth residents.
We serve healthy, culturally influenced food. Prior to COVID-19 we provided free space for local people to exhibit art and run multicultural events, and are starting to run events again now. This includes various meet-ups such as a womens circle and mens football social. In addition, we curate wellbeing and creativity events in the space such as mindfulness, yoga, and recycled art. In April 2019 we developed a community garden in our backyard, where we receive socially prescribed patients weekly and have partnered to run outreach programmes to refugees. We provide work experience placements to SEND young people, and run an employment/training programme focused on black people with long-term health conditions. We opened our permanent community food pantry in July 2021, targeting low-income residents from local housing estates and attempting to improve access to fresh, healthy food. In January 2022, we launched a programme providing individual tailored support to tackle people's root causes of financial insecurity. This focuses on low-income Lambeth residents who are under 30, and prioritises those from a BME background. We continually develop our activities in response to community needs.
