Creative sector partners celebrate progress on Lambeth’s Creative Economy Strategy

The Mayor of Lambeth addressing creative sector partners at the Summer Soirée.

Creative organisations from across Lambeth gathered recently at an event hosted by Lambeth’s Mayor to hear about his commitment to culture and meet the new Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Natalie Kane.

They also heard about how the borough’s Creative Economy Strategy is helping to support opportunities, jobs and growth across the sector. Updates shared at the event highlighted progress over the past year, including ELEVATE’s creative careers programmes for young people with partners such as Photofusion and Pan Macmillan, new creative education initiatives for younger children and successful grant programmes helping creative businesses become more resilient and investment-ready. 

Attendees also heard about initiatives supporting health and wellbeing through creativity, including partnerships with the Southbank Centre, Rambert and the Integrated Care Board. In addition to hearing more about the council’s continued support for creative businesses across the borough, through initiatives like the UKSPF funded RE:Purpose capital grant programme, which last year provided over £288,000 in grant funding to 13 businesses, improving 1,331 sqm of floorspace, and Creative UK Lambeth, which provided targeted business support to 12 organisations, helping them become more resilient, investment-ready and able to grow sustainably.  

  • A busy room of creative sector partners networking and making connections at the event.
  • Attendees in conversation during a networking session at the Summer Soirée.
  • A group of attendees sharing a light-hearted moment during the event.
  • Two attendees speaking to the room during the event.
  • The Mayor of Lambeth addressing guests at the Summer Soirée.
  • Cllr Natalie Kane speaking to the group during the Summer Soirée.
  • A speaker addressing attendees during the Summer Soirée.
  • A speaker addressing attendees during the Summer Soirée.
  • An attendee addressing the room during the Summer Soirée.
  • Three attendees chatting together during the Summer Soirée.
  • Three attendees taking part in a group discussion during the event.
  • Two facilitators taking notes while listening during the Summer Soirée

The event also provided an opportunity for organisations to connect, share ideas and discuss future priorities. Participants highlighted the importance of networking, knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving, with suggestions including events focused on sustainability, creative sector impact, freelancers, youth leadership, skills exchange and creative careers. 

One attendee said: “It was so lovely to see the team yesterday. I found the event especially helpful as I am new, so it helps to put faces to so many names of local partners who I have heard a lot about.” 

Another added: “Thank you very much indeed for including us in yesterday’s event. It was enjoyable and informative in equal measure.” 

The discussions will help inform future activity as Lambeth and its partners continue working together to deliver the borough’s Creative Economy Strategy and support a thriving creative sector.