Wandsworth to champion accessibility in year as London Borough of Culture
By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter
Wandsworth will kick off its time as London Borough of Culture with a Strictly-style mass dance, as it prepares for a year of ‘world-class performances and grassroots creativity’.
The programme of events will include festivals, open-air concerts, workshops and even a radio drama series set in the borough.
Labour councillor Kemi Akinola told a council meeting on Wednesday, that diversity and equality of opportunity would be at the heart of the events, after she was quizzed on how the celebrations will be accessible to all residents.
The Cabinet Member for Culture said the authority would hand out guides from consultants AccessAble in April, outlining what access was like at venues, how to get into them and what was available inside.
Among the events she highlighted was Liberty, a flagship festival celebrating deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.
The council would also fund activities and events celebrating South Asian and Black communities over the year, cllr Akinola said, with various grants.
She added: “These are some of the many things that we’re doing, you’ll see from the programme the variety of different activities, cultural events across the borough from a wide range of people.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan launched the London Borough of Culture in 2017, with each local authority invited to bid for funding to stage a year of music and arts events. City Hall has given Wandsworth Council £1.35million to host a year of cultural activities in 2025.
Mr Khan said: “London Borough of Culture plays an important role in providing positive opportunities for young people, boosting the local economy and uniting communities.
“Wandsworth has put together a brilliant programme for the year ahead and I’m looking forward to seeing these plans come to life as we build a better London for everyone.”
Pictured top: Musicians, artists and community members outside Battersea Arts Centre for the launch of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture on February 25 (Picture: Wandsworth council)