Lewisham: The Mayor's London Borough of Culture 2022!

See the 'Identity Tapestry'

The UK premiere of ‘Identity Tapestry’ by artist Mary Corey March, was created on Day One by the people of Lewisham. Lewisham residents, artists and local legends were invited to weave their identity on the Tapestry, creating a beautiful and enduring artwork representing the story of our borough, to be displayed here all year.

Location: South Mall, opposite H&M.

The Migration Museum

The museum, which is inside our shopping centre, explores how the movement of people to and from Britain across the ages has shaped who we are. The new immersive exhibition, Taking Care of Business, shines a light on the central role that migrant entrepreneurs have played in our lives – and Britain – through personal stories and art installations. Find out more, here.

The ‘Migrant Makers Market’, which solely sells products from migrant-owned businesses, accompanies the museum's new exhibition. The cause-led concept store and makerspace has been designed by Lewisham-based spatial designer, Lucy Sanderson, and takes inspiration from the blue borough and the British high-street. It celebrates the creativity of migrant entrepreneurs and tells the stories behind their businesses. 

The Bank of Things

This new charitable initiative by Young Mayors Project and Lewisham Local will combat the issue of poverty and lack of resources for young people in Lewisham. At the bank, young people can drop in and collect everyday personal care items and school equipment they need. Donations and volunteers are welcome at the bank - click here to learn more and get involved. 

See original pieces of the Berlin Wall

WALL is a piece of art by Stik Studio and Thierry Noir that’s painted onto two pieces of the Berlin Wall. The artwork, which you can see in situ at our shopping centre, was created to mark the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and sends a powerful message about how we can maintain connections across borders, walls and barriers.

Cummin Up

Cummin Up has been serving delicious Caribbean food in Lewisham for more than 30 years. Stop by the kiosk outside Boots to support a local business and experience authentic flavours and dishes, from curried goat and jerk chicken with rice and peas, to apple crumble and Jamaican rum cake.

Heart of the Nation: Migration and the Making of the NHS

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the NHS in all of our lives and since it was created in 1948, it has relied on staff from all over the world. Immerse yourself in this digital exhibition by the Migration Museum, which tells the stories of the people behind the NHS through archived materials, art, animations and data visualisations.

Migration Museum Competition: Moving Stories

The Migration Museum is running a competition called Moving Stories: Lewisham, inviting young creatives from the borough to design an exhibit exploring migration and what it means to them. The competition is open to all young people aged 9-18 years old and is supported by Landsec and We Are Lewisham. Click here for information on how to enter. 

Circle Collective

This streetwear store serves as a training ground for young people who are experiencing a range of barriers to find permanent work. The social enterprise aims to reinvest all profits into training 16-30 year olds, who work shifts on the shop floor to build their confidence and gain valuable experience. Each purchase will help a young person into work and support the community. Plan your trip to the store here.