Huge London Art Trail linking every borough in capital over hits buffers in blow to tourism

The idea for an artwork to be commissioned in each of the capital’s 32 boroughs was put forward by Lord Bailey, a Tory member of the London Assembly who stood against Sir Sadiq in 2021’s mayoral election.

The concept received unanimous backing in November last year from the Assembly’s Conservative, Labour, Green, Liberal Democrat and Reform UK groups.

But in an official response to the request published this week, deputy mayor for culture Justine Simons said: “Initiatives that get Londoners out and about in our city experiencing the art, heritage and culture are very much welcome.

“However, 32 artworks across the boroughs is not something the GLA [Greater London Authority] has the resource to commission, deliver and maintain at this time.”

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Lord Bailey’s proposal would have seen each borough’s artwork created by a local artist, school or youth club. He had argued that the project would also “further encourage local tourism and bolster economic growth in outer London”.

The assembly member urged Ms Simons to “reconsider”, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s disappointing to see the mayor and deputy mayor not taking leadership on this matter, which had unanimous support from the five parties at City Hall.

“The GLA should be looking for partners to help make this art trail a reality, to show that they care about more than just inner London’s economies and tourist attractions.

“The art trail is an opportunity for Londoners and the 32 boroughs to come together to showcase their local areas through public art to improve our environment and bring visitors to every corner of London. I hope that the deputy mayor will reconsider their position and listen to the Assembly.”

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In his re-election manifesto last year, Sir Sadiq wrote: “I know that London’s culture isn’t just about Zone 1 – it’s threaded through each borough that makes up our city.

“So I will continue to deliver the next rounds of the London Borough of Culture in Wandsworth in 2025 and Haringey in 2027, ensuring culture is brought closer to our communities.”

Introduced under Sir Sadiq’s mayoralty and awarded every two years, each Borough of Culture receives £1.35m in City Hall funding to deliver a programme of cultural activities.

Three other boroughs competing for the title – Barnet, Merton and Greenwich – were last year granted runner-up ‘Cultural Impact Awards’ of up to £200,000 to deliver smaller projects.