Making culture count

In Waltham Forest, culture is central to our identity. It is the glue that binds us and brings our communities together. It is a powerful force for connection, local prosperity and wellbeing. You can find culture and creativity in every corner of the borough: in grassroots venues and pubs, in creative workspaces and studios, in places of worship, in community centres, in our libraries, in green and open spaces, in our homes. 

We are revitalising local heritage such as Vestry House Museum, and working alongside partners like Soho Theatre to bring iconic culture venues back to life in Waltham Forest. We are attracting global visitors to the renowned William Morris Gallery, empowering grassroot initiatives across the borough through Make it Happen and Fellowship Fund grants, and creating opportunities to take part in creative activities and skills development. Together, we’re building on the legacy of being the first ever London Borough of Culture.  

Every year, grassroots cultural projects led and delivered by the community are brought to life through support from the Make it Happen grant programme.    

This year, the grant programme has funded the ‘Rolling with the Man Dem’ project, where young men can come together to learn to skate and grow confidence. 

Meet Amanda who runs the ‘Rolling with the Man Dem’ project.