Understanding Culture and Creativity in Walthamstow

In Walthamstow there is an active cultural and creative scene, which is supported by the highest concentration of arts and cultural venues in Waltham Forest, mostly located around Hoe Street. The Council has actively contributed to enhancing this offer with investment into the refurbishment of Soho Theatre Walthamstow (former Granada Cinema), William Morris Gallery and Fellowship Square.

Building on the momentum gathered with its designation as the first London Borough of Culture in 2019, there is a strong agenda for cultural growth across the borough, with an exciting number of small, medium or large-scale cultural and creative projects being implemented or supported since then.

The Council is now considering opportunities to further strengthen Walthamstow as a cultural and creative centre for the Borough. Our aim is to better understand and support the cultural and creative businesses and networks already existing in Waltham Forest and facilitate the development of new ones.

In winter 2022 we began this research project by inviting you to participate and share your views in a series of in person engagement events and online survey's and tools via this Let's Talk Walthamstow platform. In Winter 2023 we completed the analysis of the information participants provided, and in May 2024 we published the findings on this page.

This research project was conducted by Waltham Forest Council's Area Regeneration team, in partnership with DK-CM architectural practice. The council would like to thank all those who contributed to this research, which has provided a baseline of evidence used to shape the council's wider Cultural Strategy, led by the Destinations team.



Click on the image above to download the executive summary report for 'Culture and Creativity in Walthamstow'



Click on the image above to download 'The Creative Sector Experience' report



Click on the image above to download 'The Public Experience' report



In Walthamstow there is an active cultural and creative scene, which is supported by the highest concentration of arts and cultural venues in Waltham Forest, mostly located around Hoe Street. The Council has actively contributed to enhancing this offer with investment into the refurbishment of Soho Theatre Walthamstow (former Granada Cinema), William Morris Gallery and Fellowship Square.

Building on the momentum gathered with its designation as the first London Borough of Culture in 2019, there is a strong agenda for cultural growth across the borough, with an exciting number of small, medium or large-scale cultural and creative projects being implemented or supported since then.

The Council is now considering opportunities to further strengthen Walthamstow as a cultural and creative centre for the Borough. Our aim is to better understand and support the cultural and creative businesses and networks already existing in Waltham Forest and facilitate the development of new ones.

In winter 2022 we began this research project by inviting you to participate and share your views in a series of in person engagement events and online survey's and tools via this Let's Talk Walthamstow platform. In Winter 2023 we completed the analysis of the information participants provided, and in May 2024 we published the findings on this page.

This research project was conducted by Waltham Forest Council's Area Regeneration team, in partnership with DK-CM architectural practice. The council would like to thank all those who contributed to this research, which has provided a baseline of evidence used to shape the council's wider Cultural Strategy, led by the Destinations team.



Click on the image above to download the executive summary report for 'Culture and Creativity in Walthamstow'



Click on the image above to download 'The Creative Sector Experience' report



Click on the image above to download 'The Public Experience' report



  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    About you, about Walthamstow

    This survey is for those who live, work of visit Walthamstow to experience culture and creativity. It should take 5-10 minutes to fill in and there are two main sections: ‘About Walthamstow’ and ‘About You’.

    Thank you so much for your time in helping us to support and promote culture in Walthamstow, and don’t forget to check out the SHOW US ON THE MAP and SHARE YOUR IDEAS sections.

    The purpose of this study is to understand creative or cultural activity, particularly in Walthamstow, by speaking to people living, working and playing in the town centre. At the end of this survey you will be asked a series of questions, some of which are about demographics as age, ethnicity, or whether you have a mental or physical disability, with also the opportunity to end the survey without sharing them. The reason we ask these questions is so we can better understand the needs of all residents within the borough. All data is controlled under diligent processes in accordance to UK GDPR regulations. For more information, please see the ‘How we use your data’ page. 


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Are you involved in making culture or creativity happen in Walthamstow?

    Many thanks for choosing to take part in this voluntary survey. This survey should take 5-10 minutes to fill in.

    The purpose of this study is to understand creative or cultural activity, particularly in Walthamstow, by speaking to people involved in making culture happen. At the end of this survey you will be asked a series of questions, some of which are about demographics as age, ethnicity, or whether you have a mental or physical disability,  with also the opportunity to end the survey without sharing them. The reason we ask these questions is so we can better understand the needs of everyone in the community. All data is controlled under diligent processes in accordance to UK GDPR regulations. For more information, please see the ‘How we use your data’ page.