Croydon's Cultural Season Expands with Free Events and Activities
Croydon is poised for an exhilarating season of free cultural offerings, including circus performances, contemporary art displays, and family-friendly activities, as the borough announces a new programme supporting The National Gallery's Art On Your Doorstep initiative. This major outdoor exhibition, which opened in February and runs until July 5, will be enhanced by these additional events, providing an enriched experience for both residents and visitors. From March through July, the programme highlights Croydon's creativity in its most diverse and dynamic forms.
Exhibitions and Workshops for All Ages
The Croydon Art Collection: Matching Masterpieces exhibition is already open at The Museum of Croydon, featuring over 30 rarely seen works from the borough's extensive collection of 2,000 items. During the Easter holidays, families can participate in hands-on Whistlejacket Workshops, where children can create their own horse masks and poetry inspired by George Stubbs' famous painting. These sessions are designed to engage young minds in artistic expression and historical appreciation.
Engaging Talks and Cultural Celebrations
In April, an early evening Talks Programme will invite audiences to explore the stories behind some of the nation's best-loved paintings and painters. Speakers include Hon Prof Sam Smiles discussing Turner's relationship with the slave trade, Melissa Baksh and Vicki Dela Amedume MBE on Degas' Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando, and a conversation about Whistlejacket and the Croydon Races with local historian Carole Roberts. This series aims to deepen public understanding of art history and its cultural contexts.
May brings Surprised!, a joyful weekend celebration of East, Central, and South Asian culture and community to the town centre. The programme includes dance curated by Anusha Subramanyam and Beeja Dance Company, live music by Shri Sriram and Drum the Base, outdoor arts, craft workshops, a daytime disco for adults, and a vibrant selection of food stalls. This event showcases Croydon's multicultural vibrancy and community spirit.
Art Fairs and Circus Spectacles
In June, the Whitgift Shopping Centre will transform into a gallery for Art On Our Doorstep, a three-day contemporary art fair highlighting the excellence of Croydon's home-grown artists. The event will feature the public reveal of the Croydon Masterpiece, a large-scale artwork created with community participation under the guidance of artist Rachel Gadsden. This fair provides a platform for local talent and encourages public engagement with contemporary art.
July will see a spectacular outdoor circus weekend, For Miss La La, taking over Croydon's town centre. Led by Upswing and artistic director Vicki Dela Amedume MBE, the event celebrates the extraordinary life of Miss La La, the mixed-heritage African-German aerialist immortalised by Degas. Across two days, the programme includes contemporary circus performances, walkabout acts, and creative activities supported by the Black Women's Circus Network, continuing the borough's celebration of the painting currently on display as part of Art On Your Doorstep.
Detailed Event Listings and Information
Croydon Art Collection: Matching Masterpieces runs from March 4 to June 20 at The Museum of Croydon, showcasing over 30 rarely seen works that complement the themes of Art On Your Doorstep.
Whistlejacket Workshops: Stallions and Sonnets on April 10 offer free family sessions for children aged 5 and above, combining mask-making and poetry. Advance booking is required for either the 1pm or 2pm session.
Talks Programme from April 14 to 29 features free evening talks starting at 6.30pm at The Mayor's Reception, Croydon Town Hall, with topics including Turner and the Slave Trade, Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando, and Whistlejacket and the Croydon Races.
Surprised! on May 16 and 17 is a free weekend event in the Whitgift Centre and Croydon North End, celebrating Asian culture with dance, music, workshops, and food stalls.
Art On Our Doorstep from June 12 to 14 at the Whitgift Centre, Turf Projects, and Croydon North End includes an art fair and community activities, open to all ages.
For Miss La La on July 4 and 5 in Katharine Street, High Street, and North End offers a weekend of circus performances and interactive sessions, honouring the legacy of aerialist Miss La La.
Further details about all events can be found on the official Culture Croydon website, and a map of the Art On Your Doorstep trail is available for download or collection from Croydon libraries.
