The borough will be competing against eight others from across the capital to win £1.35m to spend on a year-long cultural programme, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Ammar Naqvi (inset) is Barnet Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts and sport — Ammar Naqvi (inset) is Barnet Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts and sport

Barnet has entered the race to be named ‘London Borough of Culture’ for 2027 and win a £1.35million award to deliver arts and cultural projects in the community.

It’s the first time Barnet has submitted a bid for the title, which was established by mayor Sadiq Khan in 2017, and the borough will be competing against eight others from across the capital.

The winner will be announced in March 2024.

Should it win, Barnet Council has said it will match 30% of the award money and source the rest from sponsors and business partnerships.

To inform their campaign the council carried out a consultation over the summer entitled ‘Our Barnet Canvas’ which comprised events, workshops and surveys.

Ten engagement workshops were held with arts, culture, heritage and community organisatons, as well as borough-wide sessions with Barnet forums and community groups including Barnet Culture for Youth Steering Group, Youth Advocates and Barnet Youth Board.

Events took place at Pride in the Park in Victoria Park, Finchley, and at Urban Gamez on the Grahame Park Estate in Colindale.

A survey of 1,500 residents, made up of students, businesses, artists and community groups, sought to find out about the borough’s interest in art and culture, and what residents wanted the programme to deliver.

In response, 84% said they’d like to take part in more cultural events or activities in the borough, and over half said there were not enough opportunities to enjoy art and culture.

Ammar Naqvi, cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts and sport, said: “The respondents shared suggestions for unsung institutions, organisations and artists that we could shine a spotlight on, which ranged from Finchley’s Artsdepot, Maxability pottery studio, through to the emerging breakdancing talent Leon Ung.”

Cllr Naqvi added the money from the award would go towards ensuring arts and culture was prominent and accessible to all. “Being awarded Borough of Culture would put us on London’s cultural map,” he said.

“A thriving arts and culture scene will give our creative sector a boost – winning investment for our venues and businesses and creating jobs.”

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