As part of our Home of Expression campaign, we commissioned 12 inspiring creatives who live, work and play in White City to create unique works that speak to the dynamic energy of the area. Here, we meet Alfiah Jade Brown, a local poet, performer and passionate community outreach advocate to talk all things language, heritage and holding space for others.

Alfiah Jade Brown’s enduring connection to White City and the neighbourhoods nearby is deep-rooted. The creative grew up here, attending school nearby, spending time working as a child actor at Television Centre, exploring the streets with friends and connecting with the Jamaican community alongside her family. Inspired by the music, culture, history and diversity that ignite inspiration in West London, Alfiah’s creative expression speaks to the authenticity of everyday experiences.

A multidisciplinary creative, trained facilitator and producer, Alfiah channelled her background in poetry into this project, creating an ode to the area in her spoken word film. As well as reflecting on old photographs and notes for research, Alfiah immersed herself in familiar places that have shaped her life in West London, reaching out to people she grew up with to further explore her emotional connections to the neighbourhood. This blend of old and new – fleeting thoughts, fresh observations and reflections on the moments that colour life – gradually coalesced into the final structure of a poem as performed by Alfiah herself.

Typically combining the written word with artistic visuals to create multi-sensory works, Alfiah’s desire to interact and engage with her audiences also extends to her work in community outreach. Here, she seeks to amplify underrepresented voices through collaborative projects with a variety of organisations including Theatre Peckham, Poetic Unity and RADA. With a focus on young people, mental health and wellbeing, she works to address key social issues through creative mediums, developing platforms for individuals to express their identity and experiences while honing their crafts.

What does writing mean to you?

“As a poet, it’s always been important for me to find ways to truly welcome people into my world. I love incorporating a visual element into my work because it adds another layer for readers to engage with. It’s a playful yet meaningful way to bring them into my stories, helping them digest the emotions, experiences, and words on a deeper level. This approach stems from my experience with dyslexia, where words sometimes felt limiting. I wanted to open my mind to others, allowing them to see the story as I envision it. I aim to write in a way that evokes the senses, making readers feel as though they’re right there with me in the narrative.”

Where do you find inspiration for your work? 

“Growing up, my dad ran a sound system, and I spent years watching people connect to words through music. He had a natural gift for playing with language and would often turn the simplest phrases into songs. That playful creativity left a lasting impression on me, shaping how I see the world and approach my writing. Like him, my inspiration comes from everyday interactions and conversations; if I haven’t lived it, I probably won’t write about it.

“My mixed heritage also deeply influences how I play with language. I often weave together different cultures and voices, blending Cockney with Patois, and drawing from the diverse backgrounds that shape my perspective. I love writing poems for people with a smaller voice or stories that wouldn’t be glistening in the bookshop. I find when you’re fully present, there’s always a poem or a story waiting to be told.”

How has Television Centre and its surroundings shaped your life story?

“I landed my first acting role at the Television Centre as a child actor for Newsround, and I often look back on that moment as where it all began. With my school just down the road, White City became the spot where I’d hang out with friends after class. It was also where I met many people who formed long-lasting relationships that became a crucial part of my creative journey and personal life.

“What I love most about West London is, without a doubt, the people. There’s an electric atmosphere every time I’m here. Stepping off the train always feels like a warm hug, like I’m being welcomed home. Everyone I meet has a story to tell, and the blend of cultures, especially the rich Jamaican heritage, brings the area to life and ensures that its history and spirit continue to thrive. It’s a place where history and diversity come together, and that energy is something I feel every time I return.”

How do you interact with the creative community here?

“I’m constantly engaged in a variety of activities around here – whether it’s getting my hair done, enjoying a piece of new writing at the Bush Theatre, or exploring a vegan night market. I relish taking strolls or bike rides and frequently catch up with friends over meals or drinks. Every year, I make it a point to attend Notting Hill Carnival, fully embracing my Jamaican heritage and city’s boundless energy. West London has a never-sleeping vibe, perpetually vibrant and bustling with activity. It’s the perfect backdrop for creativity and making new connections. 

Tell us about your spoken word piece

“My inspiration primarily draws from White City and the Television Centre, which serve as a central anchor for all my memories. It was always the starting point for every adventure. My poem captures this essence, reflecting on experiences such as trips to the cinema and bike rides down to Westbourne Park, and how these moments collectively shape my sense of home and nostalgia.

“The final piece is undoubtedly a love letter to my adolescent years spent in West London. It’s an ode to the early experiences of love I encountered there – encompassing not just romantic feelings but all the connections that shaped my journey into adulthood. The memories of those formative days and the neighbourhood itself have stayed with me, their impact never fading over time.”