Aimed at housing providers, landowners and creative professionals, Hometown Pride: Community-led culture in Thamesmead outlines our approach to delivering culture that meets local people’s needs and aspirations. Making culture part of everyday life is central our long-term plan to improve, grow and look after the town.
The report highlights the significant social impact of culture in Thamesmead since we launched our cultural programme in 2017. Over the past eight years, we’ve created new cultural spaces, supported communities with their own creative projects, and hosted a wide range of events. By creating places to go and things to see all year round, we’re strengthening local people’s sense of belonging and pride in the town, and putting Thamesmead on the map.
Drawing on our experience and learning, Hometown Pride: Community-led culture in Thamesmead looks at what we’re doing, focusing on creating spaces for culture, supporting community leadership, and attracting interest in the town. It also explains the practical steps we’re taking to grow and develop sustainable cultural networks across the town. This inclusive way of working can be adapted and used by organisations running cultural projects of different size and scale.
The publication also emphasises how culture boosts local economies. Across London, the sector supports one in five jobs and contributes £50bn to the capital’s economy each year. Our cultural programme in Thamesmead has provided hundreds of people with training and paid opportunities in the section. And for every £1 we have invested in the town, another £1.46 is now spent by other partners and funders on cultural activities and buildings.
Adriana Marques, Assistant Director of Cultural Programme and Strategy, said: “Culture helps people love where they live. Hometown Pride: Community-led Culture in Thamesmead is a testament to this.
“Working with local people, grassroots artists and international artists, we’re bringing people together, creating opportunities and experiences, and strengthening a sense of local pride and belonging.
“In sharing our approach to community-led culture, we hope to inspire others responsible for shaping successful, sustainable places.”