Wandsworth wins bid to become London Borough of Culture 2025: Let’s do this together!  

The important announcement was made at a ceremony at City Hall today (Monday 11 March).  

The Mayor of London’s culture scheme provides the winning borough with funding towards a year-long programme which celebrates local culture and heritage. The title helps to attract inward investment, create new employment opportunities, improve creative programmes and widen access to culture for residents. 

The announcement is a huge boost to Wandsworth’s ability to develop the borough’s cultural and heritage sector. 

Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: 

“Wandsworth is a fantastic place to live. Our strong, diverse communities represent the best of modern Britain. Our year as London Borough of Culture will supercharge our already vibrant, diverse sector made up of world class institutions and grassroots talent.  

“A massive thank you to the hundreds of community organisations, creative venues, schools, businesses and residents of all ages who helped shape our bid. This is brilliant news for our borough. 

“As a result of the Mayor's funding we’re going to deliver a year to remember – using the power of culture to transform lives, connect people and improve wellbeing, never more important than now.

“Let’s do this together!”  

Kemi Akinola,  Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council and its Cabinet Member for the Voluntary Sector, Business and Culture, said:

“This is fantastic news that will deliver a massive boost to our creative partners, grassroots arts organisations and local businesses. It will benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, but especially our young people who can look forward to being inspired and enriched by the many events and activities our Year of Culture will bring. 
 
“I’m hugely proud that the hard work put in by hundreds of local groups, schools and individuals has been recognised and rewarded in winning this prestigious prize and thrilled that together we have been able to deliver this success for the people of Wandsworth. I’m massively looking forward to working with all these partners to deliver a historic year to remember – using the power of culture to transform lives, connect people and improve wellbeing.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“I am thrilled to be announcing the London Borough of Culture for 2025 and 2027. This prestigious award has become a cornerstone in the capital’s calendar, using the power of culture to unite communities, transform young people’s lives and boost the local economy.

"Cultural programmes like the London Borough of Culture form a crucial part of our work to provide positive opportunities for young people, who have seen youth clubs taken away from them due to more than a decade of Government cuts. We’ve seen the difference that it’s made in winning boroughs Waltham Forest, Brent, Lewisham and Croydon, and I’m excited to see Wandsworth and Haringey’s fantastic ideas come to life as we build a better London for all.”

Tarek Iskander, Artistic Director & CEO of Battersea Arts Centre said:  

“Wandsworth has always been a home for the pioneering and the under-represented, the visionary and the mischievous. It’s that uncompromising, radical and rebellious spirit that positions us to deliver an outstanding year as London Borough of Culture. 

“It’s an opportunity that will bring together the rich tapestry of local creative and voluntary partners, with the collective purpose of transforming the health, prospects and happiness for the people of Wandsworth. The legacy of this vital work, and what it will do for redressing inequalities, will be felt for decades to come.”  

Koko Idiong, age 17, who presented Wandsworth’s bid to the GLA said:  

“We in Wandsworth are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse arts and culture scene and being London Borough of Culture 2025 will help this expand to our wider community. The opportunities for young people will be pivotal in unlocking potential and aiding wellbeing, and we are excited to share what is going to be an action-packed and grounded year that puts the people of Wandsworth first. Let's do this together!”  

Wandsworth as London Borough of Culture 2025 will ensure more opportunities for local people and visitors from all walks of life to take part in, create and be inspired by the borough’s rich arts and culture offer.  

Wandsworth is home to Battersea Arts Centre, the Royal College of Art, National Opera Studio and Royal Academy of Dance. The borough is also home to outstanding grassroots organisations like Tara Theatre, Oily Cart, Sprout Art, Wandsworth Music, Sound Minds, Putney Arts Theatre, Tavaziva Dance, Matt’s Gallery, World Heart Beat and Baked Bean Theatre Company. The borough has a range of other attractions in Battersea Park, Tooting Market, Battersea Power Station, the Clapham Grand and more.