Council set to create more cultural educational opportunities, to bridge the gap in access for young people

7 July 2017

One of London’s most culturally dynamic boroughs has announced a new £50,000 arts programme designed to help Southwark’s younger residents to take up creative courses.

Southwark Council announced its innovative creative skills partnership with London Southbank University and University of the Arts London that includes Southwark’s Creative Bursary at the launch of its new cultural strategy, Creative Southwark 2017-2022 today (Thursday 6 July).

Cllr Johnson Situ, cabinet member for business, culture and social regeneration, said: “Southwark is a trailblazer when it comes to cultural development in London, attracting some of the biggest and culturally diverse names in the theatre and arts worlds.

“We are also unique in our commitment to embedding culture and the arts in everything we do, from business, planning and regeneration to education and employment, so that it truly benefits our local residents, providing jobs, opportunities and access to some of the most exciting and unusual arts and events programmes in London.

“With increasing financial pressures in the public sector leading to the risk of a loss of focus on subjects like arts and culture, Southwark is stepping in to fill that gap with our promise to help young people access the arts.”

Southwark’s new cultural strategy Creative Southwark looks at how the council’s wide range of creative and unique partnerships and regeneration projects, and how they can help shape the borough’s cultural sector and help it face the social and financial challenges ahead.

The Strategy was launched with a special event at the Tate Modern on Thursday, 6 July, that saw a panel made up of guests from around Southwark’s creative and cultural community discuss the social impact and importance of the arts and creativity.

MC for the event was up and coming UK grime artist C Cane and guests also got to see a special performance from the Central School of Ballet, who will be moving into their new premises in Southwark next year.

Page last updated: 07 July 2017

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