Connections and connectedness will be the themes underpinning Merton’s bid to become London’s Borough of Culture in 2027.
A key strategic objective for the Council is to be the Borough of Sport by 2026 and a strong theme of sport will run through the LBOC bid. By 2027 Merton will be known as the Borough of Sport and Culture, maximising on existing sporting infrastructure and heritage that is leading to the Borough of Sport.
We will build on that as a model – using existing infrastructure and heritage to become Borough of Culture and creating a legacy of cultural excellence in the borough.
The bid aims to get a greater proportion of residents taking part in in and experiencing arts and culture, with a programme that delivers social benefits for all. It will explore Merton’s common purpose by celebrating the full range of diversity in the borough, in particular highlighting the significant cultural changes of the last 50 years.
To grow Merton’s creative economy and make Merton a destination for culture, more opportunities are planned for local creative professionals to have their say about the future of culture within the borough.
A particular focus is promoting a more visible and vibrant cultural sector in the east of Merton, with improved collaborative links between organisations in the east and west of the borough. Young people’s engagement and sport are two more strands to what’s being planned, building upon our Borough of Sport brand.
Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride said: “We want culture to be for everyone, celebrating our diverse communities across Merton. Our neighbourhoods may be close geographically, but each with their own unique personality and history – and we want to showcase and celebrate the rich tapestry of that.”
“Merton is London’s best kept secret, but we are home to a whole host of talent and ingenuity – and we want to take pride in it and show it off to the world.”
Bids close on 30 November, and after that a panel of senior Greater London Authority staff will score and moderate the bids. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to interview with an external panel of experts.
Recommendations are made to the Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, and the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who make the final decision. The announcement of the winning bid will be made in March 2024.