London Borough of Culture
Launched in 2017, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture award brings Londoners together. It puts culture at the heart of local communities, where it belongs, illuminating the character and diversity of London’s boroughs and showing culture is for everyone.
Read the story of London Borough of Culture so far or scroll down to find out more about the winners, their programme of events, or how to apply for the next round of awards.
Why local culture matters
Culture matters. It makes people healthier and happier, it can provide a sense of identity for communities and residents. Culture is what makes London, London.
London Borough of Culture engages Londoners in cultural and creative programmes on their doorstep by supporting work designed and led by local people, empowering communities and contributing to the increased health and wellbeing of residents.
Culture has the power to transform communities and to bring people closer together. Now, more than ever, there is a pressing need to reach out to our neighbours and celebrate London’s unique and diverse culture. London Borough of Culture is a great way to do just that whilst showing the world that our cultural gems extend way beyond the centre of the capital to all corners of the city.
Meet the next London Borough of Culture
A unique programme combination of funding and support, London Borough of Culture is designed to enable step change in the cultural life of a borough.
Since its launch in 2017, the programme has been a catalyst for creativity across the city, brought people together in pride and celebration and provided a springboard for boroughs' long term cultural ambitions.
Learn more about the award's winners for 2025 and 2027.
This year's London Borough of Culture
Croydon
Croydon is London Borough of Culture 2023.
Launched in April 2023, 'This is Croydon' will be a year-long celebration of the borough's unique identity, diverse communities and rich heritage, culture and creativity is underway.
Your Borough of Culture, your stories
Watch the stories of people involved with London Borough of Culture. These short films focus on young people as future leaders, how councils have transformed the way they work, how grassroots arts organisations have grown and culture in social care.
Past years' London Borough of Culture
London Borough of Culture 2022 in Lewisham was inspired by their rich history of activism and standing up for equality.
Brent was the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture in 2020.
Waltham Forest was the Mayor's first London Borough of Culture in 2019.
Cultural Impact Awards
Cultural Impact Awards are part of the Mayor’s ambition to put culture at the heart of local communities. They are awarded to boroughs that bid to be London Borough of Culture, towards exemplary individual projects highlighted in their bids. Six boroughs won in 2018 and three were announced in 2020.
Follow #MyLocalCulture for the latest news and stories from these projects.
London Borough of Culture blogs
Read more about what people involved in London Borough of Culture think about the importance of local culture and why London Borough of Culture matters.