University of Greenwich and Royal Borough of Greenwich Win Mayor of London Cultural Impact Award
Launched in 2017, the Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture and Cultural Impact awards aims to bring Londoners together by putting culture at the heart of local communities to highlight the unique character and diversity of London’s boroughs.
The University of Greenwich is delighted to have been a major partner in the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s application for both the London Borough of Culture and the London Cultural Impact Award, which they won. The awards aim to engage 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.
Professor of Music and Sound Arts, Andrew Knight-Hill, who led on the university’s contribution to the bid said: ‘We’re really excited to bring our expertise in arts and humanities research out of the University and into our local communities. Working in collaboration with our friends at the Royal Borough of Greenwich and arts organisations across the borough we will deliver a diverse programme of works which will help make a difference to our local communities, leveraging the excellence that we have in the university and in our community arts organisations across Greenwich.’
They are awarded to boroughs that show exemplary individual projects. The events that will take place in 2026 will aim to deliver on the core strands of the proposal: 1001 Meridian Tales – exploring the rich and diverse stories of communities across the borough, and Meridian Nights – exploring culture through food and music. The news was tweeted by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer added: ‘We are delighted to have won and to have this opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to celebrate the local community. Participating in this project reflects one of the university’s core values of impactful knowledge exchange and I very much look forward to hearing all about the plans for 2026.’
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: ‘We’re thrilled to receive a Cultural Impact Award. Our residents, partners and community groups know better than anyone that Greenwich has a cultural identity like nowhere else in the capital and we’re thrilled that the Mayor of London recognises this too. We’re so grateful for the engagement and support of local people and organisations in helping us create a truly unique bid.
Inspired by the stories of the diverse communities who call all corners of Royal Greenwich home, we’ll work with young people and local organisations to imagine positive futures through art and culture. This innovative collaboration will break down barriers and bring people together to celebrate everything creative the borough has to offer.’