Council Claims Community Backing for Borough of Culture Bid
Submission deadline looms with winners to be announced next March
Over 120 local groups are backing the bid
October 13, 2023
Wandsworth Council says that there is solid cross community support for its bid to become the London Borough of Culture in 2025.
This week, over 120 representatives from partner organisations, local community groups, charities, businesses, arts and creative sectors gave their backing at a networking event at The Clapham Grand in Clapham Junction.
The event aimed to be an opportunity for building connections and providing, not only a chance for organisations to discuss their own work, but also to look at how culture could be enhanced if Wandsworth were to win the bid.
The Mayor of London's London Borough of Culture scheme provides the winning borough with funding towards a year-long programme which celebrates local culture and heritage.
If Wandsworth were to win the bid, the programme of events the council says this would enhance the places, artists and communities in the borough providing more employment opportunities and opening up access to culture and arts for the whole community.
The final submission is due by 30 November 2023, and the successful London Borough of Culture for 2025 will be announced in March 2024.
Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: "Wandsworth is a fantastic place to live and it was amazing to see so many people working together to forge a new relationship for our borough. We are changing into an outward-looking, modern and open place - but so much of the change we all want to see can only be achieved in partnership.
"Our bid for London Borough of Culture couldn't come at a better time for Wandsworth - we see it as a real catalyst for change and a moment for us to come together and celebrate everything we love about our home."
You can show your support for the bid in an online pledge box.
Council leader Simon Hogg states the case for Wandsworth's bid
Brendan Conway, resident and senior project consultant with Mobilise, a social purpose business, said, "We have a shared geography with the Thames, the Wandle, the numerous green spaces, our wards and streets and our neighbourhoods.
"Culture that champions the local environment creates a sense of place and belonging. I can see here that successful local partnerships that have been built through food, the next generation and culture really do represent the best of Wandsworth and show the power of human relationships."
Next steps
Over the next two months, the council says it will be continuing to collect ideas and views from hundreds of people across the borough to develop a London Borough of Culture proposal which is a ‘catalyst for change’.
Wandsworth Council has not yet released the total cost of its London Borough of Culture bid. However, in a report to the council's cabinet in June 2023, the council estimated that the bid would cost around £50,000. This figure includes the cost of staff time, consultation, research, and marketing. The council also received a £5,000 grant from the Mayor of London's Office to help with the cost of developing the bid.
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