Pledge to deliver lasting social change as Lewisham named London Borough of Culture 2021
The prestigious award will see Lewisham receive £1.35 million to stage an ambitious, year-long programme of cultural events celebrating the wealth of creative talent in the borough and delivering lasting social change.
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “I’m delighted we have been awarded Borough of Culture 2021. This is an incredible opportunity for Lewisham and I couldn’t be more proud to be Lewisham’s mayor and working alongside so many amazing creatives and artists.
“Our year will showcase what Lewisham has to offer the rest of London and the UK by harnessing the passion and creativity of our cultural sector and the people of Lewisham and channelling this into a programme which will face up to the most significant challenge facing our planet, the climate emergency.”
Some of the large-scale events planned across the borough include:
- The world’s first ‘tag’ climate carnival with the borough’s 18 neighbourhoods showcasing the power of culture to highlight social issues and stimulate action within communities
- A mass dance party exploring the impact of migration and diversity on London’s dance scene
- An outdoor music festival inspired by Lewisham’s legendary Rock Against Racism gigs
- A career intervention for every Year 7 pupil to address the lack of diversity within the creative industries and a national creative careers conference leading a call to action to address inequality.
Lewisham fought off competition from five other shortlisted London boroughs. Croydon was awarded the title for 2023.
Lewisham will work with organisations in the borough such as Goldsmiths University of London, the Horniman Museum, Trinity Laban and the Albany to deliver the year celebration alongside grass roots organisations, artists and local communities. Lewisham will also invite regional and national organisations such as Tate Modern and the Migration Museum to add their expertise.
Read more about Lewisham's plan for London Borough of Culture 2021
Photo credit: Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance/Photo: Juno Snowdon.