#SpillingTheTea – What’s next for culture and creativity in Croydon?

In recent years, the words ‘Creative’ and ‘Culture’ have been used (some may argue overused!) a fair bit. What’s made them the buzzwords being thrown around corporate boardrooms?

A little context (if you care to listen) – between 2010 and 2016, the creative industries experienced impressive growth in every region of the UK. As the fastest growing part of the UK economy (contributing more than automotive, aerospace, life sciences and oil and gas sectors combined) – it was clear why the government was keen to (more heavily) invest in them.

Croydon, a Borough rich in diverse cultures and arts organisations, was excited to leverage investment opportunities this new government focus might bring.

And so, in 2017 the Croydon Culture Network was established. This initiative brought (approx. 600) creatives from across the Borough together to discuss how to increase the size and health of the Borough’s creative industries and create more opportunities for collaboration.

Information gathered through events and consultation with this network went on to inform ‘Croydon Creates’ – the Cultural Plan for Croydon 2019-2023 (which in turn helped to secure Croydon’s status as a Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) and ultimately as London Borough of Culture for 2023).

So where are we now? How are the creative industries going to be developed and supported in 2024 and beyond?

The latest report from the government’s Department for Culture (and media & sport) states the creative industries continue to “drive our economy forward” and outlines a new ambition to grow them by an extra £50 billion (while creating one million extra jobs) by 2030.

And so here in Croydon, the focus is on transitioning the key projects that have already been initiated under both the CEZ and Borough of Culture from being “council managed to community run”.

The CEZ is transitioning into the Croydon Creative Enterprise, a CIC which will be headed up by Lizzy Lambie from Fashion Meets Music alongside board members Dan Winder from Stanley Arts, Kiarn Islami from Metropolis Music and Matt Todd from Conditions Studio.

The Borough of Culture delivery teams and steering groups are also being restructured into a new model. ‘Culture Croydon Community’ will be headed up by four co-chairs (Honey Gabriel, Katia Del-Rio Smith, Katie Hurley and B Atherton) with support from Riah Pryor.

Whilst there is a lot of overlap between these two organisations, Croydon Creative Enterprise will essentially act like a trade body (helping connect, train and develop creatives in Croydon) while Culture Croydon will focus on empowering, supporting, connecting and advocating for artists and companies to create world-class cultural performances, exhibits and experiences.

Over the coming months, East Croydon Cool will be conducting a series of #SpillingTheTea interviews to get a better understanding of the people and organisations who are helping to shape Croydon’s creative landscape.

Each month, these interviews will be published on the Croydon Creative Directory – a platform set up by the original CEZ.

So, if you’re working in (or interested in working with) the creative industries in Croydon and keen to get a better understanding of the people and organisations that can help develop your career and connect you with paid work opportunities, make sure to: