We've sealed our bid to be London Borough of Culture 2021

We are Lewisham

The ‘We are Lewisham’ event was held at the newly-opened independent cinema and event space, Catford Mews. It featured conversations with local cultural talent from across the fields of music, literature and publishing. The event was hosted by Lewisham-raised, BBC radio producer and presenter, Shahlaa Tahira (pictured).

Brockley-born musician, Novelist, has already played a huge part in promoting our bid. He firmly believes we already have a wealth of cultural talent and opportunity. He shared his own success story and led a conversation with fellow musician and producer Raj Forever about their journey of being young creatives coming through in the borough.

Goldie magazine editor, Rebecca Weef Smith, spoke to author Candice Carty-Williams, about how growing up in Lewisham and being exposed to a wide representation of people helped to shaped some of the characters in her bestselling first novel Queenie.

Watch our Borough of Culture 2021 bid film

Also previewed on the night was our Borough of Culture bid film, which gave voice to our artists, cultural practitioners and community members. They all shared what they loved about the borough and why they think we deserve to be named London Borough of Culture 2021.

Our diversity is our strength

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, talked about his love of the arts growing up in Bristol before sealing the bid submission alongside, Councillor André Bourne, Cabinet Member for Culture, Jobs and Skills.

Damien said: ‘Our creative potential in Lewisham is limitless. We’re putting forward a bid that will help create a legacy that inspires young people. We’re ready to be the next Borough of Culture.’ 

Cllr André Bourne added: ‘From Buster Mantis and the Albany in the north of the borough, the Model Market in central Lewisham, the new Catford Mews cinema in the centre, to the restored Fellowship and Star in the south, every single area in our borough has a unique pocket that has something for everyone. 

'Lewisham is such a diverse borough and that diversity is our strength. There is a community spirit here that is authentic and not found anywhere else in London. We deserve to win this bid and showcase our talent across London and beyond. Now is our time.’ 

Working together with cultural organisations

Our Borough of Culture 2021 bid brings together a wide range of cultural organisations across the borough that will form an exciting and stimulating year-long programme, including:

• IRIE! Dance Theatre
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
• the Albany
• Horniman Museum & Gardens
• Entelechy Arts
• Teatro Vivo
• Sounds Like Chaos
• hARTSlane.

Stay up to date

The winning announcement for 2021 and 2023 will be made by the Mayor of London, in early January 2020. You can still back the campaign at www.iamlewisham.uk and follow @IAmLewisham on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.