Inspired by the Castellers of Barcelona – who build human towers as a symbol of unity, trust, and collective strength – The Albany will invite local residents to explore the idea of freedom through the lens of interdependence, asking what does freedom mean when we stand together, and how have communities in Deptford held each other up, past and present? Hyper-local to Deptford, Lewisham (SE8), and designed to engage the diverse communities that call Deptford home, this project seeks to thread its community – from families to elders; young people to sanctuary seekers – together through trust and celebration.

Working alongside project partner the National Centre for Circus Arts to co-create a programme that blends physical workshops (safe, symbolic recreations of castell building), oral histories and performance, the Albany will deliver a programme of community workshops where participants might map their own ‘human towers’, representing people or moments that gave them strength or shaped their freedom. They’ll explore VE/VJ Day memories alongside more recent stories – migration, activism, care networks – drawing connections across time.

The project will culminate in a celebratory public event or installation, built collaboratively by the community, echoing the castellers’ motto: Força, equilibri, valor i seny (strength, balance, courage and common sense) – four pillars that speak powerfully to both the history and future of freedom.