Merton Council has today launched its bid to become the capital’s Borough of Culture in 2027, to further promote the creativity, richness, and diversity that runs throughout our community.

Working alongside our partners across South West London, the borough is putting together a bid which will put Merton on the map, alongside previous winners like Brent, Lewisham, and Waltham Forest.

The launch of the bid kicks off a series of events in the Autumn, bringing together residents and some of the borough’s brightest and most inspirational groups, to get creative and build excitement for Merton’s Borough of Culture bid.

Launched in 2017, the Mayor of London’s Borough of Culture award aims to put culture at the heart of local communities, illustrating the unique identity and diversity of the capital’s boroughs.

“We want culture to be for everyone, celebrating our diverse communities across Merton,” said Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride. “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.” said Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council.  

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.

Notes to editors:

Members of the public are invited to contribute to the consultation, by feeding into their thoughts and opinions at: https://tinyurl.com/556ku5tk.