Have your say on the future of culture in Royal Greenwich

new Culture Strategy

“It’s time to show the world why Royal Greenwich is the London Borough of Culture.”

The council's proposed programme is based on the stories of more than 1,000 residents and the participation of many thousands more.

It will be delivered by organisations, artists, young people, famous faces, volunteers and stakeholders who push the boundaries of arts, culture and technology to deliver new and exciting opportunities.

The programme also focuses on levelling up the disparity between the east and west of Royal Greenwich and celebrates the industrial and working-class heritage of the borough.

The London Borough of Culture initiative is part of the Mayor of London’s plans to support the arts in the capital.

As well as the title award, there are also three Cultural Impact Awards up for grabs.

These will be in the region of £200,000 for individual projects that take place between 2025 and 2027.

The successful boroughs are expected to be announced in March 2024.

The council is asking people who live, work, study and socialise in the borough what cultural opportunities they want to see offered.

It wants to find out more about local experiences of cultural or creative activities like music or concerts, arts and crafts, theatre or performances, dance, creative writing, local heritage, festivals, community events and activities for wellbeing.

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Royal Greenwich is home to many exciting and diverse dedicated cultural organisations and venues, which make our borough a very special place to live. “We want to ensure we have a comprehensive strategy for the future of our cultural sector, to help support the dedicated local organisations and businesses that provide such important and exciting experiences for our residents, support valuable local jobs and help to attract tourists from across the world.

“It will enable us to build on the borough’s many strengths and tackle the many challenges faced by the industry, such as reductions in funding and the cost-of-living crisis.

“I would encourage our residents, businesses and community groups to share their views in the consultation and make sure it reflects what you want for your borough.”

Culture makes a wide variety of positive contributions to people’s lives, from jobs and training opportunities to improving health and wellbeing.

Public feedback will help the council write a strategy and action plan which ensures the benefits that culture brings meets local people’s priorities.

The strategy will ensure local organisations can provide an exciting range of initiatives, events and activities for residents of all ages and abilities and enable the council and its partners to bid for funding for more schemes and projects.

You can give your feedback online at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/culture-strategy-consultation The consultation is open until 5pm on 31st January 2024.