3 days, 5 hours ago
Sharing the stories of our community
From scientists developing breakthrough technologies to creatives pushing the boundaries of immersive performance, Here East is home to many people who challenge the status quo. Their compelling stories epitomise our vision and have the potential to inspire, catalyse, and disrupt – and that’s exactly why our Marketing Manager, Haly Brill, is dedicated to sharing them.
Haly connects the dots between our vision, mission, impact, and community, so we wanted to flip the script and learn more about her journey at Here East.
Tell us about your story at Here East. What are your favourite memories here?
Haly: “My journey at Here East began almost three years ago when I joined as Social Media Coordinator. Not only has my career grown in this time – now over a year into my role as Marketing Manager – but it’s also been an invaluable experience learning more about the technology and creative industries.
“I’ve also had the opportunity to lead on a range of exciting projects – from our Future Talks series and Summer by the Canal programme to supporting on our yearly Impact Report, welcoming political leaders to our campus, building the Here East brand across digital platforms, and so much more.
“In terms of my favourite memories, attending SXSW for the last three years has been one of them. I’m proud to represent Here East on the international stage and help to build global networks of incredible businesses, creators, and innovators between London and Austin. Back in East London, some of my favourite memories have been when organising the exciting events we’ve run across campus, or even just spending time on Canalside with colleagues. I enjoy connecting with new people and there’s always someone new and interesting to speak to at Here East.”
What are you most excited about on campus this year?
Haly: “I’m looking forward to the opening of the V&A East Storehouse on our campus in May and the World Press Photo Exhibition landing on the Here East Canalside this summer. Both will welcome hundreds of thousands of new visitors to Here East and will be incredible additions to our already vibrant campus, aligning seamlessly with our mission to nurture East London’s spirit of creativity and culture.
“The V&A is my favourite museum in London and I'm really into photography with my background in marketing, so I’m very excited to experience both of these on a personal level. By the same token, I’m also looking forward to being immersed in an environment of culture and arts in my workplace.”
What were the highlights from your recent trip to SXSW?
Haly: “Our London Calling event was a standout moment for me this year. It was great to work alongside the London & Partners and Oury Clark teams, and we got the perfect mix of businesses, investors and creative people to come together at the event and discuss transatlantic partnerships between London and Austin.
“Another highlight was the opening night of the British Music Embassy at UK House, which Here East sponsors every year. It’s always such a fun night to be a part of, with the opportunity to hear from both up-and-coming as well as well-known artists.
“Last but not least – I can’t forget the incredible Mexican food in Austin! As an American who’s lived in London for over four years now, I sometimes really miss those southern comforts. So heading back to the US and enjoying some delicious Texas BBQ or authentic Mexican tacos with colleagues is always a highlight!”
What makes Here East unique from your perspective?
Haly: “The culture at Here East is truly one of a kind. With five universities, hundreds of startups, dance studios, restaurants, film productions, charities, and countless other creative businesses based on our campus – there’s a constant buzz of innovation.
“There is no shortage of compelling stories to share about the people and businesses that call our campus home and how they drive impact locally in Hackney, across London, and around the world.”
How does creativity fuel innovation at Here East?
Haly: “It’s how the people that work and study here collaborate where creativity really comes through. A great example is the ‘Futures Lab’ programme which took place this week in Plexal. It was great to see UCL and Loughborough University London team up with the V&A to run this event on our campus and bring experts across industries together to explore how frontier technologies can transform our built environment.
“Collaboration is in Here East’s DNA, so it’s really rewarding to see many of the businesses, universities and institutions based here adopt that same model: working together to shape the future of innovation and creativity.”
