Activity has begun as Wandsworth prepares to enters an exciting year as the London Borough of Culture 2025, with events starting in April.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan launched the award in 2017 and announced that the borough would be the 2025 winner in March, as well as declaring Haringey as the recipient of the 2027 award.
As a result, Wandsworth will receive more than £1.35 million in funding to organise 12 months of back-to-back cultural events and activity, which reflect the creativity and diversity of its 328,000 residents.
Councillor Kemi Akinola, Wandsworth Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for culture highlighted the importance of investing in the UK arts and culture services and spoke about what the award will bring to Wandsworth.
She said: “This will allow us to invest money into the service but also embed things that last long term to support our residents to enjoy culture.
“We will also be able to share things that already exist in Wandsworth, and things that are developing.”
There has already been a flurry of excitement ahead of the April launch, and many organisations and charities are beginning to prepare for a year of culture.
Celebrations for Black History Month will begin with the Roots and Culture market on Northcote Road on 29 September, showcasing a wide array of activities, stalls and music to honour Black history and support Black-owned businesses.
Wandsworth Council will also commemorate the borough’s nomination as it enters its third year of Black History 365 cultural commissioning in October by supporting eight projects across the borough.
The projects will run through to June 2025, and each commission will receive up to £2000 to allow residents of African and Caribbean heritage to engage with their communities and lead projects culturally meaningful to them.
Similar events are also set to follow to commemorate South Asian History Month, Pride Month and Windrush Day.
Excitement was also shared by the Baked Bean Charity, which runs drama, dance, music and skills classes for people with learning disabilities.
As a result of Wandsworth’s win, students of the charity will have the opportunity to participate in the Liberty Festival 2025, which celebrates deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.
A spokesperson for Baked Bean emphasised how important Wandsworth being the London Borough of Culture is to communities and expressed excitement for the coming year.
The Friends of Putney School of Art and Design has also organised a ‘Re’stiling’ project to celebrate Wandsworth’s success.
Students and tutors will be encouraged to create colourful earthenware tiled panels to then be installed around the school ahead of a grand unveiling before Easter.
Trustee Nicole Hollingworth praised the borough’s commitment to bringing the community together and fostering creativity.
She said: “I think that Wandsworth is absolutely brilliant in helping local art and artists.
“This a great award for the borough because they are a council that is so supportive.”
To find out more about upcoming events, visit https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/culture/
