Bid to host year-long celebration of community spirit
Merton is bidding to be crowned London’s ‘Borough of Culture’ in an initiative recently launched by the Mayor of London.
Two of the capital’s 32 boroughs will hold the title in 2019 and 2020 hosting a series of events throughout the year that celebrate the spirit of their communities.
To be in with a chance of winning, the bids must meet the following three criteria: celebrating creativity, making an impact and deliverability.
The two winners will share a £1million pot with a further six boroughs receiving funding for specific projects.
Merton Council has published a short questionnaire available on the council’s website to capture thoughts and ideas from creative providers, groups and individuals.
Response to the questionnaires should be returned to culture@merton.gov.uk Deadline for returns is September 8.
Councillor Nick Draper, Merton Council’s cabinet member for Community and Culture, said: “This will be a fierce competition and Merton will be competing against boroughs with more money and resources.
“However, we have talent coming out of our ears in this borough and, if the council can work with its partners from the voluntary and private sectors to put together a strong, imaginative bid, we will be a force to be reckoned with”.
Organisers say a good example of a past cultural project was Cardiff which created the City of the Unexpected to celebrate the centenary of writer Roald Dahl, one of its most celebrated sons.
August 25, 2017