Wandsworth named London Borough of Culture 2025

Wandsworth has been chosen as London Borough of Culture 2025, it has been announced.

The South London borough, home to cultural organisations including Battersea Arts Centre, the Royal College of Art, National Opera Studio and Royal Academy of Dance, becomes the fifth borough to receive the award, which comes with £1.35m of funding from the Greater London Authority.

Meanwhile, Haringey has been named as London Borough of Culture for 2027 and will also receive £1.35m. The London boroughs of Barnet, Merton and Greenwich have been named as Cultural Impact Award winners, and will each receive up to £200,000 to deliver smaller scale transformative creative projects within their community.

READ MORE:

• Lewisham, London's Borough of Culture engaged majority of local schools
• 2023 Borough of Culture to go ahead despite council's financial woes

Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council said the borough's 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," he added.

"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."

Tarek Iskander, Artistic Director and 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," he added. 

“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.”  

'Making a difference'

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, who announced the awards today (Monday 11 March) said they use 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.”