Lewisham Council Seeks Chair for South Lewisham Cultural Group

May 19, 2026

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Lewisham Council is seeking a community leader to chair the South Lewisham Working Group, a body dedicated to improving access to arts and culture across the borough's southern wards. The opportunity is open to creative individuals, community leaders, and local residents with a strong connection to the area, which includes Bellingham, Downham, Grove Park, Hither Green, and Catford South.

Addressing the Cultural Divide from Catford to Downham

The South Lewisham Working Group operates as part of the broader Lewisham Cultural Partnership Board. Its primary aim is to deliver actions from the "We are Lewisham" Cultural Strategy, with a specific focus on increasing participation in creative and cultural activities in the south of the borough, where investment and opportunities have historically been less prevalent compared to northern creative zones like Deptford and New Cross.

The newly appointed Chair will be responsible for guiding the group's development, fostering collaboration among members from grassroots arts organisations, voluntary sectors, and housing groups, and co-creating a shared action plan. The initiative follows the legacy of Lewisham's stint as the London Borough of Culture, aiming to use creative outlets to improve resident health, wellbeing, and local employment.

Paid Leadership Role and Key Dates

The position offers a competitive compensation rate of £50 per hour, capped at a maximum of £250 per meeting to account for necessary preparation time and community engagement.

The council is looking for candidates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique socio-economic challenges in South Lewisham, as well as a track record of organizing local community initiatives. Prospective candidates are encouraged to download the recruitment pack directly from the Lewisham Council portal, with the final deadline for applications set for 21 June 2026.

Political Shift and New Civic Priorities

The cultural push comes at a time of significant political transformation for the local authority. Following the local elections on 7 May 2026, control of Lewisham Council shifted to a Green Party majority for the first time in history, with Liam Shrivastava taking office as the newly elected Mayor of Lewisham.

The incoming administration has pledged to scrutinise equitable funding distribution across the borough, making the appointment of a South Lewisham cultural lead a timely step toward addressing geographic inequalities in public spending and community infrastructure.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between local grievances and council accountability, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, human-led perspective on the stories driving South East London today.