Links Studios, in the London Borough of Newham, is opening its doors on Tuesday 3 August 2021. Thanks to a generous partnership with Rolling Stones, the state-of-the-art recording studio will open in Newham’s Community Links centre.
Following the Rolling Stones 2018 No Filter Tour, the band sought an opportunity to invest in the creative futures of London’s young people. Recognising the community-focused nature of Community Links’ work, the partnership has been established to provide studio access for young people, up to the age of 24.
The purpose-built studio will host creative workshops, that foster health mental wellbeing, as well as skills courses and formal study programmes – leading to qualifications in music technology and sound engineering.
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood said:
” am delighted to be asked to open the Music Studios at Community Links in Canning Town.
“I remember the help I got as a youngster and it is only right that, through this great charity, the Stones are giving a hand to all the budding musicians in east London.”
Community Links Director, Chi Kavindele, said:
“Links Studio will give vulnerable young people the chance to develop the technical and soft skills required for creative careers. It will give them a unique outlet during these particularly difficult times, and an opportunity for young participants to get excited about the future again.
“Young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, from disruption to school life to curtailed employment. We want this to be a gateway for future artists, producers, and engineers, as well as a starting point for other projects encouraging innovation.”
Photography credit: Dave J Hogan