As a resident and active participant in the events held during Croydon's year as the London Borough of Culture, I have witnessed first hand the transformative power of arts and culture. This special year brought us numerous festivals, plays, films, artwork, and music that showcased our borough's talent. It was an enormous opportunity that we seized with both hands. My friends, colleagues, family and I greatly enjoyed these events.

However, with recent challenges facing Croydon including economic downturns and social issues, it is crucial now more than ever to maintain this vibrant cultural arts scene to bring back positivity to our borough. For instance it is disconcerting that successful festivals such as Pridefest and Mela are not occurring this year despite their popularity in the previous year. The legacy created by this special year must not be forgotten but rather preserved for future generations.

According to Arts Council England research (2019), investment in arts and culture contributes significantly towards improving community cohesion and individual wellbeing while also driving local economies. Therefore preserving this legacy is not just about maintaining our cultural heritage but also about ensuring a positive future for Croydon.

We call upon the council to guarantee an immediate legacy from Croydon's year as London Borough of Culture by investing in continued art initiatives and supporting local artists who were part of this transformative period.

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving the rich cultural heritage that makes Croydon unique!