1. Libraries innovation programme
Enhance and activate libraries for multi-functional cultural use
Why is it needed?
In Northolt and Greenford, residents are primarily culturally low-engaged, health poor seniors and young people (Supported Communities) and retirees looking for inexpensive and mainstream local leisure opportunities (Up Our Street). In Southall and Perivale, some suburbanites interested in heritage activities and mainstream arts (Dormitory Dependables) look for cultural activities close to home. Given severance limiting travel for culture in the borough, Ealing needs a robust strategy to embed culture at a hyper-local scale and to protect and provide free or affordable local spaces for cultural production and consumption.
A network of well-located libraries already play a critical role in delivering cost-of-living support and digital skills education across Ealing. A Libraries Innovation Programme would embed cultural space and equipment in libraries in areas with least access to culture. Uses should be determined through consultation and might include artist studio space, makerspace or podcast studios or gallery space. Some spaces might be best operated by socially-oriented operators or charitable trusts, creating new avenues for sustainable financing.
Next steps
Key first moves include:
–Assess the current library service, understand community needs, and identify areas for innovation together with residents, library staff, and stakeholders in line with current and emerging library strategy and infrastructure delivery plan.
–Seek potential partnerships, grants, or central government funding to supplement the programme.
–Explore relationships with socially-oriented workspace operators or charities with experience operating creative space and commitment to delivering community good.
–Develop a strategic plan outlining specific projects, timelines, and deliverables.
–Start with small-scale pilot projects to test new initiatives in Northolt and Greenford. These could involve technology workshops, podcasting equipment, maker spaces, or collaborative events with local schools or businesses.
–Ensure digital interventions are not introducing new barriers to exclusion by gathering community feedback.
–Based on the success of pilot projects, scale up successful initiatives.
Alignment with guiding principles
1. Create a network of cultural venues and facilities that are easy to reach, affordable and accessible for local people.
2. Encourage bottom up, grass-roots cultural activities that address hyper-local needs.
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3. Adapt industrial, empty or under-used spaces and buildings for cultural uses, including artists' studios, pop-up shops, exhibition venues and cultural event locations.
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4. Utilise the existing and developing transportation network to connect Ealing with West London and beyond.
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5. Embrace digital transformation to build a more inclusive and innovative cultural sector.
Location
All Ealing libraries should be audited, with a focus on Acton, Greenford, Northolt and Southall Libraries and Dominion Centre
Council teams
Libraries, Regeneration, Strategic Property, Arts and Culture, Events