News

Belinda Chapman talks dance, community and intergenerational creative work

Mon 23 Feb

We asked Microgrant recipient Belinda Lee Chapman about her project TWIST and how she got to where she is.

The making of 'Carmen' - a new film by Dame Sonia Boyce about Carmen Munroe

Thu 19 Feb

Niamh Sullivan writes about how Sonia Boyce created 'Carmen', a new artist film honouring the life and career of trailblazing actress Carmen Munroe.

Call Out: Lead the Wandsworth Creative Health Network

Tue 17 Feb

Applications open now! Wandsworth Council is looking for an inspiring, collaborative and community‑minded organisation to lead the Creative Health Network.

The Beat Goes On

Tue 17 Feb

Celebrate the finale of our year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture on 21 March 2026 with a fantastic all-day event at Battersea Power Station.

Sonia Boyce's 'Carmen' - European Premiere in Wandsworth

Mon 16 Feb

Following its world premiere in New York in 2025, 'Carmen' will be screened at World Heart Beat on 3 March, followed by an exhibition in April at BAC.

White woman wearing grey vest and dark grey striped scarf, smiling with her eyes closed, in front of Battersea Arts Centre building

Exploring a London Borough of Culture Internship - Shanti's Experience

Sun 15 Feb

Shanti, one of the nine young people taking steps into creative careers with paid London Borough of Culture internships, tells us about her experience.

Identity, Gender, and Queerness Through Art: An Interview with Luca Bosani

Thu 12 Feb

Luca Bosani, the artist behind the incredible Unidentified Performing Objects in the Queer Wandsworth exhibition, tells us about his inspiration and the…

Queer Wandsworth Exhibition, running February 3rd to 28th

Tue 10 Feb

Wandsworth Borough has a rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ history, which is explored and displayed through the Queer Wandsworth Exhibition.

Nina Wakeford: Nine Elms – a new ‘Pink Depot’?

Tue 10 Feb

As part of Queer History month, we're republishing this article, with artist Nina Wakeford writing about the vibrant LGBT+ culture in Nine Elms.

Group of young people on stage, singing and playing instruments, with spotlights

Rock The Grand Finalists Announced!

Mon 9 Feb

The finalists for Rock The Grand, the ultimate band competition in Wandsworth, have now been announced!

What's a London Borough of Culture Internship Like? Interview with Cultural Intern Sadie

Sun 8 Feb

Sadie, one of the nine young people taking steps into creative careers with paid London Borough of Culture internships, speaks to us about her experience.

Spotlight: Ecstatic Antibodies Thirty Years On

Sat 7 Feb

As part of Queer History Month, we're republishing an article about the legacy of: Ecstatic Antibodies: Resisting the AIDS Mythology.

December Cultural Micro-Commissions Announced

Fri 6 Feb

Introducing our fifth round of successful Cultural Micro-commissions, supporting Wandsworth based creatives, during the London Borough of Culture year.

Call Out: Wandsworth Artists

Fri 6 Feb

We Heart Wandsworth is an open and inclusive invitation for artists to reflect on their personal connections to the borough. Closing 23 Feb, 5pm.

Celebrating queer heritage this LGBTQ+ History Month

Wed 4 Feb

Discover how we're honouring LGBTQ+ History Month this February: with an an exhibition, an online heritage trail, workshops and a Vogue Ball.

Local Champion Sandra Attends Palace of Varieties

Wed 4 Feb

Our Local Champion, Sandra Munoz-Alvarez, shares her experience at The Palace of Varieties, The Clapham Grand's 125th birthday party.

Black and white photograph of four white men lying down with their arms crossed on their chests, eyes closed

Gary Thomas speaks to David Benedict from Gay Sweatshop

Tue 3 Feb

As part of Queer History Month, we're republishing this article, with Gary Thomas speaking to David Benedict from Gay Sweatshop.

Humara Mohallah “Our Neighbourhood” Art School

Wed 28 Jan

Connect to your roots. Connect to your neighbourhood. Artist, Saira Niazi, reflects on the art school she created as part of the Culturally Mindful programme.…

Our Beautiful Neighbourhood Exhibition is Almost Here!

Tue 27 Jan

This wonderful exhibition, spread across multiple venues in Wandsworth, is a public celebration of artworks created by pupils age 9-13 in Wandsworth schools.

Using Culture to Heal this Blue Monday

Mon 19 Jan

At the heart of our programme is a commitment to Creative Health, embedding arts and culture into the way you look after ourselves.

Man with brown skin and black hair, wearing blue jumper and jeans, sitting on a stool in a bright sunny room, smiling

Reuben Abraham is Helping Bring Mindfulness to Prisons

Fri 9 Jan

Reuben Abraham's micro-commission project for London Borough of Culture will bring creative outlets to the residents at HMP Wandsworth, helping to expand…

Roehampton Base Cultural Fashion Show

Mon 5 Jan

Young people at Roehampton Base Youth Club explored their cultural heritage through fashion, photography and dance.

Springfield Village: Artist Open Calls Now Live!

Fri 19 Dec

Springfield Village is inviting proposals for a series of permanent public artworks and two bespoke pieces of street furniture.

Black woman in grey vest and brown skirt jumping in the air gracefully on a dark stage. Another woman posing in the darkness behind her.

Reflections From a Local Champion on Pointe Black's Ballet 'Overcome'

Thu 18 Dec

"A powerful spotlight on untold stories of resistance, notably the Haitian Revolution and other pivotal moments in the Civil Rights movement."

Adil Akram talks acting, writing and his school days at Ernest Bevin

Thu 11 Dec

Tooting local Adil Akram is an actor and playwright who received one of our first Cultural Micro-commissions, supporting 11 Wandsworth based creatives,…

Wandsworth Young Historians Competition 2025/2026

Mon 8 Dec

The Wandsworth Young Historian competition aims to encourage young people to explore and engage with their own local history. Enter by 17 April 2026.

Nnena Kalu: Wandsworth artist wins Turner Prize (updated)

Mon 8 Dec

Nena Kalu, a visual artist from Wandsworth, is nominated for the Turner Prize, breaking new barriers for the learning-disabled community.

Two people in orange volunteer t-shirts stand facing away from the camera, with their arms around each other. One has long brown hair, the other black. In the background there are colourful flags and another volunteer in a volunteer t-shirt.

Behind the Scenes on International Volunteer Day

Fri 5 Dec

We couldn't make our London Borough of Culture year happen without our volunteers. We chatted to them about their experience getting involved!

Rock The Grand - Competition Callout

Wed 3 Dec

Ages 12 - 19? Apply to take part in Rock The Grand - the ultimate band competition in Wandsworth.

Sing in a Choir? Join Sing to Thrive

Thu 27 Nov

We are inviting existing choirs or groups that sing in Wandsworth to apply for a microgrant of £500 to take part in the Sing to Thrive programme.

November Cultural Micro-Commissions Announced

Wed 26 Nov

Four new micro-commissions awarded up to £1000 each in funding in November.

The Clapham Grand celebrates 125 years of variety

Tue 25 Nov

Today marks 125 years to the day since The Clapham Grand first opened its doors as a palace of varieties in South London, and to celebrate, the landmark…

Theatre studio space with audience seated around the edge of the space. There are performers across the stage standing in various positions. There tables, chairs, theatre lamps and a projection screen spread across the space.

A Public Address: Full Programme Announced

Mon 24 Nov

BAC and Quarantine present four productions to create ‘A Public Address’ as part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture celebrations

Our Day at CNN International – The Manifesto Global Takeover!

Fri 14 Nov

By the Year 9 Media Club Reporters at Southfields Academy

Five New London Borough of Culture Commissions

Wed 12 Nov

Five new projects join our London Borough of Culture commissioned progranme, with £50,000 awarded in Welcome to Wandsworth Project Grants.

October Cultural Micro-Commissions Announced

Tue 11 Nov

Four new micro-commissions awarded up to £1000 each in funding in October.

Introducing the 2025 Re:Create Cohort

Mon 10 Nov

Forty artists, creative freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs from the borough of Wandsworth have been selected to join this year’s Re:Create programme.

Reflections From a Local Champion on Black History Month Exhibitions

Wed 29 Oct

One of our London Borough of Culture Local Champions, Trechia Folarin, reflects on her experience at two of our Black History Month exhibitions: Brain…

Black man and woman pull down purple covering from green plaque on side of outdoor building with trees behind them

Green Plaque Scheme Remembers Reggae Legend Bob Marley's Time in Wandsworth

Mon 27 Oct

Music legend Bob Marley has been honoured with a Wandsworth Green plaque commemorating his visits to borough.

Young people kickstart creative careers with London Borough of Culture internships in Wandsworth

Thu 16 Oct

Nine young people are taking their first steps into creative careers with paid internships at Wandsworth arts and culture organisations.

Looky Rooky: the new Rookfinder Trail for Roehampton

Tue 14 Oct

Looky Rooky is a new augmented reality walking trail for families and young people to get out, exercise and learn about the Roehampton area!

Finale fireworks at Battersea Park In Concert

Welcome to Wandsworth marks halfway point as the Mayor's London Borough of Culture

Mon 13 Oct

We proudly reflect on six months of spectacular events and projects igniting the cultural spirit of local people, with health & wellbeing at its core.

A group of mothers and babies sitting on the floor and singing together

World Mental Health Day: how culture is supporting mental health in Wandsworth

Fri 10 Oct

We are pioneering one of the UK’s largest Creative Health programmes with more than 20 projects to tackle health inequalities through culture.

Want to make something amazing happen in Roehampton?

Wed 8 Oct

Aged 18-25 and live in Roehampton? Our Trainee Producers Scheme will teach you to plan and deliver your own community art project. Apply by 3 Nov.

Catherine Marche, Phillippa egerton and Roopa Basu Wandsworth WAOH October 2025

Wandsworth Artists’ Open House Brings Colour to Wandsworth

Mon 6 Oct

Wandsworth burst into colour last weekend as Wandsworth Artists’ Open House Art Trails brought together more than 200 artists across 100 venues.

September Cultural Micro-Commissions Announced

Fri 3 Oct

Four new micro-commissions awarded up to £1000 each in funding in September.

Ainsley Harriott laughing in front of hedge background

Black history and culture celebrated in Wandsworth

Wed 1 Oct

October is Black History Month, and events will be held in Wandsworth as part of the council’s year-round celebration, Black History 365.

Artist Brief: Making Smoking Obsolete

Thu 25 Sep

We are seeking to commission a local artist to artistically interpret the Making Smoking Obsolete report. Deadline 31 October.

Girl plays with hoop in front of green screen

Chocolate Films commissioned to create unique video portraits of pupils

Thu 25 Sep

As part of Liberty Festival, Chocolate Films were commissioned to visit special schools and units in the borough to create unique video portraits of pupils.

Q&A with Chisato Minamimura

Wed 24 Sep

Chisato Minamimura, creator of The Lost Golden Lotus, answers a few questions ahead of her exhibition at Tara Theatre for Liberty 2025.

A band plays instruments amongst plans in a large greenhouse

Sound Minds at Liberty Festival

Tue 23 Sep

Sound Minds is a Battersea-based mental health charity transforming lives through music, film and art. They will be sharing an incredible showcase of…

Jack, a white non-binary person with bright green hair and wearing a white t-shirt stands with their back to the camera under UV light, doing a morning stretch. They are surrounded by trinkets; a tiny pink flamingo, a book, leaves, a water bottle, a shiny pink love-heart shaped disco purse, and other nondescript things.

Jack Wakely Talks Disability, Clowning, and GOBLIN

Mon 22 Sep

Jack Wakely will be performing a work-in-progress performance of GOBLIN as part of the Mayor of London’s flagship disability festival, Liberty 2025.

Griffin Primary School Garden Competition

Griffin Primary School wins Wandsworth's climate justice school garden competition

Thu 18 Sep

This spring, primary schools across Wandsworth were invited to design a garden that champions biodiversity, sustainability, and inclusion. The winning…

Green plaque for the Biograph Cinema - London's first licensed cinema opened 1908

Send in your suggestions for the Wandsworth Green Plaque scheme

Wed 17 Sep

Commemorating the borough’s important and historic people, places, events and buildings.

The Four Seasons Mural at Roehampton Library by Adalberto Lonardi

Wandsworth Council unveils 'The Four Seasons' by Adalberto Lonardi, a community mural for Roehampton Library

Fri 12 Sep

A new public artwork, The Four Seasons, is transforming Roehampton Library at the Alton Estate into a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and place.

Celebrating the First Cultural Champion Nominees for the Wandsworth Civic Awards

Fri 12 Sep

We are so pleased to announce the first ever Cultural Champion nominees for the Wandsworth Civic Awards.

First Cultural Micro-Commissions Announced

Thu 11 Sep

We're supporting 11 Wandsworth based creatives, during the London Borough of Culture year, to create new artworks with grants of up to £1000 each.

woman stands wirth her elbow on a railing in Battersea

The Wandsworth Way: Community Actors Call-out

Tue 2 Sep

Sign up to our Radio Drama workshop and join an amazing community of people bringing 'The Wandsworth Way' radio drama to life.

London Borough of Culture projects supported by The Wimbledon Foundation

Tue 2 Sep

Fifteen Wandsworth-based community arts projects have been awarded grants in support of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture.

Henry Moore - Three Standing Figures - in Battersea Park

Iconic Battersea Park artworks conserved for future generations

Tue 26 Aug

'Three Standing Figures' by Henry Moore and the Grade 2* listed '24th Division War Memorial' preserved for future generations.

Schools Author Events and Poetry Festival - Autumn 2025

Thu 14 Aug

Celebrated children's writers Chris Riddell, Joseph Coelho, and Cressida Cowell will be appearing at 'meet the author' events for Wandsworth schools during…

A group of people holding colourful flags

Urban Flow: Join the Roehampton 100

Thu 14 Aug

We’re calling on dancers, dance groups, and anyone with a passion for movement to join us for a spectacular celebration! Get in touch by 22 August.

Heritage Boxes for Dementia - Call for Community Partners

Tue 12 Aug

Are you an organisation working with people living with dementia? Apply to participate in our 'Heritage Boxes for Dementia' programme.

Young person holding microphone up to their face

Youth Club Micro-Commissions

Mon 11 Aug

Wandsworth-based youth clubs can apply for up to £1,000 to run a creative, cultural or heritage project, with and for their young people. Apply by Monday…

a colourful mural design for an underpass

Creativity is Transforming Falcon Road Bridge Underpass

Mon 4 Aug

The new mural for Falcon Road bridge celebrates local landmarks and the local community for a bright, vibrant new look.

500 Access For All tickets for Secret Cinema in Battersea Park

Thu 31 Jul

Wandsworth's Access for All card holders can see Secret Cinema’s 'Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical' for just £3 this summer.

Black History 365

Tue 8 Jul

Black History Month is celebrated across October in the UK, but we think African and Caribbean history, culture and heritage should be celebrated all…

Three women, two are white and one has brown skin, surround a pile of sand against a grey background in a variety of dynamic balletic positions.

Full Programme Announced: Liberty Festival 2025

Tue 8 Jul

This autumn, Liberty Festival 2025 brings a showcase of bold, innovative work that excites and challenges audiences, and reframes disability.

South Asian Heritage Month 2025

Wed 2 Jul

We're celebrating the borough's South Asian communities, culture and and heritage during South Asian Heritage Month (17 July - 18 August)

Re:Create: Free mentoring for Wandsworth Creatives open for 2025 applicants

Thu 26 Jun

Apply to join Wandsworth's bespoke business support programme for creative businesses, devised and delivered in partnership with Creative United.

three musicians face a class of children

Battersea Park in Concert: Outreach Programme

Tue 24 Jun

The outreach programme is designed to engage local communities, celebrate cultural heritage, and provide meaningful experiences for young people.

Share Your Stories: LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project

Thu 19 Jun

Are you part of the LGTBQIA+ Community with a story to tell about living, studying or working in Wandsworth? We want to hear from you!

Share Your Stories: Story Catchers

Thu 12 Jun

We're looking for Global Majority people aged 65 or over with a story to tell about life in Wandsworth.

Two Actors Stand Behind Microphones Recording

Announcing The Wandsworth Way: Wandsworth's own Radio Soap Opera

Tue 27 May

The first episode airs on 29 June at 5pm with 40 episodes in total airing every Sunday on Riverside Radio!

A woomna with black hair and an orange t-shirt paints a mural on a wall

Announcing Culturally Mindful this Creativity and Wellbeing Week

Thu 22 May

Launching a New Vision for Health, Diversity and Creativity

Spaces of Knowledge Symposium

Thu 8 May

A two day symposium that will explore the role of urban walking as a methodological approach to foster social change featuring panel discussions, group…

Spaces of Knowledge Symposium

Black and white photograph of two women actors. One of them dressed as a male and the other as female.

LGBTQIA+ Heritage Researcher (Freelance)

Wed 30 Apr

We are seeking a researcher to explore Wandsworth’s Queer Cultural Heritage, as one of The National Lottery Heritage Fund projects for the 2025-2026 London…

Theme Tune Competition

Mon 14 Apr

Calling all Composers, Musicians & Creators! Could YOU be the sound of Wandsworth? Riverside Radio & Theatre503, in partnership with Wandsworth Council,…

Alton Renewal Callout

Wed 9 Apr

Wandsworth Council is seeking to commission the design and delivery of a number of largescale murals on the Alton Estate, including a community art wall,…

man sitting down in front of paintings on wall with a shield shaped sculpture resting against his leg

Wandsworth Artists' Open House Call-out

Sun 6 Apr

Registration for artists to take part in Wandsworth Artists' Open House are now open!

Children play in a playground while two women on stilts in coloursful clothing walk through.

Happy Streets Festival 2025 Applications Open

Tue 1 Apr

We are seeking applications from artists, community groups and local organisations to help develop the 2025 programme for Happy Streets festival this…

A male dancer stands in a dramatic pose, arm extended gracefully, with eyes closed. A bright blue spotlight shines behind them, creating a striking contrast against the dark background.

Introducing the Liberty 2025 R&D Artists

Mon 17 Mar

Meet the 19 d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, producers and creatives undertaking research and development for Liberty 2025.

circus performers lock hands and lean over a crowd in the street

Introducing the WAF Grant Awardees for 2025

Thu 13 Mar

We've awarded 30 brilliant projects up to £2000 each to bring creativity to Wandsworth communities as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe festival 2025.

An intricately decorated mantel piece with candles, black and white photos and wooden carvings

Call for Grassroots Organisations: Join the Culturally Mindful Programme

Wed 12 Mar

Call for organisations interested in working with Global Majority artists to co-design culturally relevant creative health initiatives. Closing 25 April.

A black and white photo of a young black performer sitting on a patterned rug in front of a sofa, with his eyes closed and gesturing with his hands.

Culturally Mindful: Global Majority Artists Call-out

Wed 12 Mar

Calling for Global Majority artists to co-design culturally relevant creative health initiatives with grassroots organisations. Deadline 23 April.

A Brightly Coloured Mural With Smiling Faces And Colourful London Skyline.By Garlic Designs

Bringing Colour and Culture to Future First Wandsworth

Fri 7 Mar

Garret Monahan from Garlic Designs shares an insight into his creative process and the inspiration for his new public mural In Battersea.

Call-out for organisations to host our London Borough of Culture interns

Fri 7 Mar

Are you a Wandsworth based arts or cultural organisation? Apply to host a London Borough of Culture intern for 6-months from September 2025.

Falcon Road Bridge Renewal Project: Community Engagement Workshops

Sat 1 Mar

The final artwork is now being developed with local residents - drop in to one of these sessions to be part of the project!

Green Plaque for the Diederichs Duval family who campaigned for universal suffrage and lived in Lavender Sweep from 1884 to 1906.

Nominations open for the Wandsworth Green Plaque Scheme 2025

Fri 21 Feb

Help us to commemorate the borough’s important and historic people, places, events and buildings.

CRIPtic Arts to produce Liberty 2025

Wed 19 Feb

We are delighted to announce the appointment of disabled-led arts organisation CRIPtic Arts as producing partner for Liberty 2025.

Professional Audio Actors Wanted

Sat 1 Feb

Theatre503 & Riverside Radio, in partnership with Wandsworth Council, seek two professional actors to be leads for a radio soap opera with Wandsworth…

Photo Of The Winners In Front Of The Bridge Smiling

Falcon Road Bridge Renewal: Winners announced!

Thu 19 Dec

Clapham Junction's Falcon Road rail bridge is set to get a colourful makeover in 2025.

Shania's Story: Winstanley Internship

Tue 13 Aug

In Summer 2024, Shaniah and Leah – two young residents of the Winstanley and York Road estates, spent a week exploring their local culture scene.