Black Culture Conversation by Southwark Council

14 May 2024

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Central School of Ballet values its ongoing relationship with Southwark Council and the surrounding community. Throughout the year, Central has several goals to increase the engagement and accessibility of dance for the local community, bringing new and underrepresented people into dance. A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is fundamental to our core values.

Creative communities encourage thriving culture and wellbeing amongst their people. A flourishing and growing Black cultural sector within Southwark helps to advance the social, economic and environmental value of the borough.

It is for this reason that Southwark Council has commissioned and launched the Black Culture Conversation. In starting conversations, Southwark Council is seeking to understand how they can provide support in four key areas: Premises and Infrastructure; Skills, Organisational Development and Networking; Visibility and Celebration Campaigns; Story Telling and History.

The research aims to better understand Southwark residents and how their standard of living can be improved through council services including housing, health care and support and local services. Southwark as a borough is made up of a diverse and global population, with 25% of residents identifying as Black.

Southwark Council would like to hear from as many people as possible, and in sharing this initiative, we hope that the Southwark residents who engage in our adult classes, Junior School and other programmes feel empowered to share their thoughts in the survey.