Lambeth announces ‘A to Z’ of commitments to support South London arts and cultural scene
Lambeth Council has launched its new Lambeth’s Creative Economy Strategy, which sets out how the council will support it’s creative industries, with over 2,000 creative businesses in the borough, employing more than 31,000 people.
The strategy is designed to respond to the realities facing the sector, including rising costs, access to workspace and barriers to entry. It sets out a practical A–Z of commitments focused on creating the conditions for creative businesses and practitioners to sustain and grow their work in Lambeth.
Our mission is that by 2030, Lambeth’s world-leading creative economy will be stronger and fairer, with its communities at the heart of the UK’s creative growth.
Key areas of activity include:
- The reopening of Streatham Space Project in collaboration with London Square, bringing a sustainable operating model and a new lease of life for the benefit of the local community. An open call for a new operator is now live.
- Planning policy strengthened to protect existing cultural venues and secure new creative workspace through future developments, alongside continued investment in spaces across the borough.
- Brixton’s reaccreditation as a Creative Enterprise Zone will continue to support affordable workspace and business development. Since 2018, nearly 300 businesses have benefited, including Raw Material and 198 Contemporary Arts.
- New commissions including an upcoming mural in Brixton in partnership with the Kevin Campbell Foundation.
- A new collaboration with London South Bank University to open up access to XR/AR facilities for freelancers and small businesses looking to experiment, develop work and build digital skills.
- Thousands of hours of industry placements will be delivered through programmes such as ELEVATE, supporting young people into creative careers and helping organisations connect with new talent.
Councillor Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Economic Inclusion, said:
- “This strategy is about practical support for the sector. We know creative businesses and freelancers are facing real pressures, from workspace to income stability. Our focus is on how we can use the council’s role to open up opportunities, support growth and reduce barriers.
“We want Lambeth to be a place where creative businesses can start, stay and grow, and where more residents can access and build careers in the sector.”
Developed with industry partners, residents and organisations, the strategy sets out a five-year framework focused on three priorities:
- A more resilient and sustainable creative economy, with stronger networks, clearer support and better coordination across the sector
- Growth in jobs, businesses and reputation, alongside improved access to affordable and long-term creative workspace
- A more representative and inclusive creative economy, with more people able to take part, shape activity and build careers locally
By aligning investment, planning, skills and partnerships, the strategy aims to create a more sustainable and inclusive creative economy across Lambeth.
Click below to read the full strategy.