Cultural participation at the heart of plans to accelerate the delivery Building Newham’s Creative Future cultural strategy in 2024
Newham Council has reaffirmed its commitment to deliver culture for all as the Council builds on its ambitious 15-year ‘Building Newham’s Creative Future’ strategy, with a revitalised program launching soon for 2024 to allow greater access to cultural and creative opportunities for all.
Following our incredible journey in developing our Borough of Culture 2025 bid with over 10,000 of our residents and more than 150 partner organisations, Newham Council remains committed to our ground-breaking Building Newham’s Creative Future which will continue to champion the tangible impact that the creative and cultural sectors will bring to Newham in 2024.
In partnership with our cultural sector, residents’, communities and businesses, we are excited to be able to continue to work alongside the many local creatives and partners that are driving creative opportunities to be unleashed in the borough coming alive this coming year and beyond.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “As the beating heart of London’s culture, it’s in our soul! My thanks to everyone who’s played a role in our London Borough of Culture in 2025 bid, and while we didn't secure the London Borough of Culture title this time, Newham's cultural journey is far from over, in fact it is just getting started.”
"Through our 15-year Building Newham's Creative Future cultural strategy, we’ll secure Newham's place as the beating heart of London’s culture from here on in, making sure everyone has access to the transformative power of culture.
In 2024, we're talking about new cultural enterprises, vibrant programs, and restored buildings buzzing with creative energy; including world-class arts, culture and events as part of an exciting and creative ‘At the Docks’ programme this summer. But more than that, it's an opportunity to showcase our unique story, celebrate our diversity, and unlock the incredible creative and economic potential within our communities because we want the benefits of Culture to be felt by all.
“By 2037, we aim to be a cultural leader not just in London, but beyond. We'll nurture local talent and ensure our residents experience the joy, health, and connection that culture brings. Over the coming year, we will work hand-in-hand with residents, cultural organisations, and partners to curate a programme that celebrates who we are as people and as a place.”
Alongside our incredible flagship cultural celebrations which include our well-established Newham Unlocked, Newham Heritage Month, South Asian Heritage Month; and partnerships such as At the Docks and supporting UK Black Pride, the largest LGBTQI+ event of its kind globally – we will continue to work with key cultural leaders and partners into the borough, including our Royal Docks and East Bank partners such as V&A East, Sadlers Wells and the London College of Fashion to our increasingly vibrant and engaged cultural community.
We know 2025 will be an amazing year for our borough, and we will maintain the positive momentum generated through the development of our Borough of Culture bid, so that our creative and cultural sector in Newham are offered platforms and opportunities to drive creative participation and growth embedded in the very fabric of our local communities.
We look forward to announcing an exciting programme that will be coming to Newham this year, to celebrate our unique and diverse culture and showcase how Newham is the beating heart of London Culture. If you are interested in being involved in our plans, please email events@newham.gov.uk or weareculture@newham.gov.uk.
We extend our warm congratulations to Wandsworth and Haringey for their remarkable achievements as the Boroughs of Culture for 2025 and 2027 respectively, and to Greenwich, Barnet, and Merton for their well-deserved Cultural Impact Awards. As fellow stewards of cultural enrichment, we appreciate the hard work and passion invested in these accomplishments. The transformative power of the arts has the potential to strengthen communities, and we look forward to pursuing this shared endeavour to cultivate diverse and thriving cultural landscapes for all.