Spread the Word is creating Lewisham as the UK's first Borough of Literature. This groundbreaking campaign will celebrate diverse voices, connect communities through storytelling, and transform how literature is accessed across London's second most diverse borough.
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31% of Lewisham’s children leave primary school unable to write at national levels. There's a north-south borough divide in cultural activities, and many people face barriers to taking part. Without active initiatives literature remains out of reach for many communities. For example the rich mix of Lewisham’s 75 nationalities is rarely reflected in publishing or storytelling. Our research found publishers worry books by writers of colour "won't appeal" to audiences so diverse stories go untold.
Our Borough of Literature will transform Lewisham into a place where everyone's story matters. We’ll run storytelling events, community writing groups, and career support for local writers. Working with residents, arts organisations, schools and libraries, we'll open the door to partnerships and projects that celebrate Lewisham’s literary heritage and create new opportunities. Responding to what local people want: accessible events, writer support, and connections across diverse neighbourhoods.
