4. Southall centre for culture

Showcase local cultural narratives through new cross-art-form cultural centre

Why is it needed?

Much of Southall's rich and unique culture and history is under-documented, including the historic soundsystem culture, local Sikh film-making, a world-renowned culinary scene, local clothing manufacturing and Punjabi theatre and radio stations. A place for gathering and celebration, festivals and events also bring thousands of people to Southall year on year. New smaller scale and privately organised religious-led celebrations and pop-up events provide a rich cultural offer for mixed-age residents (Kaleidoscope Creativity). Currently these activities are happening in dispersed locations, and a shortage of spaces to hire is a barrier to celebrating under one roof.

Southall is also subject to significant change. Major regeneration schemes will bring new audiences, who are likely to be affluent young professional and keen consumers of culture (Commuterland Culturebuffs). Transport links will connect Southall with liberal urbanities interested in a wide spectrum of activities (Metroculturals) and highly active and diverse arts engagers willing to travel for new cultural experiences (Experience Seekers). At this inflection point for Southall, there is an opportunity to create a celebratory space to showcase the quality and diversity of local culture. This could include gallery space, spaces for film screenings and small music and performing arts showcases and a community kitchen space. A key focus should be on storytelling. This project would raise the profile of local role models in arts and culture to help build accessibility into the arts. It would also act as an anchor for Destination Southall, helping bring in visitors and further consolidate a vision for Southall as a whole.

At this inflection point for Southall, there is an opportunity to create a celebratory space to showcase the quality and diversity of local culture. This could include gallery space, spaces for film screenings and small music and performing arts showcases and a community kitchen space. A key focus should be on storytelling. This project would raise the profile of local role models in arts and culture to help build accessibility into the arts. It would also act as an anchor for Destination Southall, helping bring in visitors and further consolidate a vision for Southall as a whole.

Next steps

Key first moves include:

• –Conduct soft market testing on the use of Southall Manor for cultural use.
• –Investigate the feasibility of other venues to host cultural centre.
• –Develop relationships with Southall artists and organisations to better understand need and build coalition.
• –Identify relevant funding streams for the works needed to bring Southall Manor House into operation as a cultural centre.
• –Commission a feasibility study for a cultural centre for Southall Manor House

Alignment with guiding principles

1. 1. Create a network of cultural venues and facilities that are easy to reach, affordable and accessible for local people.

2. 2. Encourage bottom up, grass-roots cultural activities that address hyper-local needs.

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3. 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. 4. Utilise the existing and developing transportation network to connect Ealing with West London and beyond.

4. 4. Utilise the existing and developing transportation network to connect Ealing with West London and beyond.

5. 5. Embrace digital transformation to build a more inclusive and innovative cultural sector.

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Location

Southall's vacant heritage assets, including Southall Manor House and King's Methodist Church, and Young Adult Centre

Council teams

Assets, Regeneration, Arts and Culture

We Made That

Ealing Cultural Infrastructure Plan