Arts and culture

Southwark arts and culture team offer advice and support to creative organisations and individuals. The team is also responsible for developing the annual Black History Month and the biannual Big Dance programme. Through these events the team offers support and resources to organisations and community groups within the borough to help them deliver events, activities, and workshops that engage the local community. In addition to these programmes we also develop programmes around:

National art campaigns

Throughout the year there are various campaigns, such as Big Draw,  International Women's Day, Open Weekend, and Open House. Compiling information from local organisations, we produce a map of activity in relation to these campaigns, and provide, where we can, opportunities for artists and organisations.

Creative partnerships

We work and support a range of creative organisations in Southwark that provide artistic services to the borough and its residents:

• STEP works in partnership with Southwark's schools to engage young people in theatrical practises, which culminates in an annual festival of theatre events, workshops and performances
• Southwark Arts Forum (SAF) is a creative network for organisations, individuals and groups, to share, collaborate and progress in their chosen field. The forum also offers a mentoring scheme, workshops and conferences on creative development
• Our support of local theatres such as, Blue Elephant, London Bubble Theatre Company, and Theatre Peckham, provides local residents with accessible theatre, performance and theatre training through workshops and education programmes
• Carl Campbell Dance Company 7 run regular Caribbean dance classes tailored for young and older people, as well as for the wider community
• Cafe Gallery Project London offers two distinctive venues within Southwark Park, Cafe Gallery and Dilston Grove, providing emerging artist with exhibition opportunities through an annual open exhibition submission, as well specially curated events and exhibitions
• Lambeth and Southwark Dance Network, a collaborative project between Lambeth and Southwark, is a newly formed creative network for dancers, dance groups and organisations, helping them to facilitate the exchange ideas and resources

Events

If you would like to get involved with events delivered by the above organisations and campaigns, visit our What's on page for details of arts, black history month, dance, theatre, and music events happening in the borough.