Ealing Council formally announced its selection as London Borough of Culture 2025 at a meeting with the Mayor of London’s Assessment Committee on Thursday 8 February.
More than 2,300 residents have expressed their support so far, but there’s still time to back the bid online.
The winners will be announced next month.
The interview team introducing the borough’s bid was led by Councilor Polly Knewstab, cabinet member for community prosperity.
Councilor Knewstab said: ‘Last year we launched Ealing’s Culture Manifesto. We spoke to hundreds of arts organizations, creators and residents. We know we need to strengthen our infrastructure and we want to start a million conversations and build connections between everyone who calls Ealing home. Worldwide all year round As well as commissioning a class event lineup, we will be building cultural hubs in all seven towns.
“These hubs will create locally accessible networks, exchange content and ideas to strengthen each town’s identity, and encourage residents to explore other areas of this large borough that are rarely visited. Our Cultural Manifesto promised to give all 367,100 of us the opportunity to be creative. Becoming a London Borough of Culture will help us deliver on that promise.”
The bid is a true partnership, involving cultural organizations based in the borough, from Borobrook Youth Center in South Acton and PRSSV Performing Arts and Heritage Institute in Southall to Ealing Film Studios. Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, Gunnersbury Park Museum, North Acton and Park Royal Creative Enterprise Zone are home to a thriving community of artists and designers.
The council also receives great support from the local business community.
The ambitious plans set out how all seven towns and communities would be involved if Ealing achieved the title of London Borough of Culture. Activities and events take place across the borough and involve neighboring boroughs and the wider community.
Councilor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, said: “Ealing has a fantastic cultural heritage and a thriving cultural sector that reflects the talent and diversity of our seven towns. We have ambitious plans to help build communities full of pride and identity. and we want to weave culture through everything we do, as outlined in our Culture Manifesto. Winning the London Borough of Culture will help us achieve this. It will be useful and leave a legacy for future generations.”
And don’t just take our word for it, Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench, president of Ealing’s Quest Stars Theatre, says: Contribute to the development of the borough and create a lasting legacy.
“At its core is the joy of people working together to create transformative opportunities for residents of all ages and in all communities.”
Other members of the interview team were Sarah Gaventa, Creative Director at Ealing Council; Anjan Saha, poet and project manager at his PRSSV Institute of Performing Arts and Culture in Southall. Ellie Gerrill, Head of Heritage and Museum Services, Gunnersbury Park Museum. Beverley Mason, chief executive of the LMA’s Friends of the Huntly Archive, and Colin Brent of Ealing Youth Services and Borough Brook Youth Centre.
Add your support and share your bid ideas at ealing2025.org.
Mr Ealing’s bid for London Borough of Culture in 2025 also includes options to be considered for London Borough of Culture in 2027.