Why we created a creative directory for Croydon

We want creativity and culture to be at the heart of everything that we do in Croydon; to make London’s fastest growing borough the exceptional place that people want to enjoy, live, work and visit.

We want Croydon to be: 

• A place where creativity and culture is for everyone 
• A place where people come first 
• A place with stunning, inspirational public spaces 
• A place that is full and dynamic 
• A place that celebrates its past and present 
• A place where creative businesses and cultural entrepreneurs succeed

Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone

Croydon has been accredited by the Mayor of London as a "Creative Enterprise Zone" – a place where creative industries can flourish and grow.

Croydon CEZ is operating primarily across central Croydon to support four key "pillars" - Space, Skills and business support, Policy and Community  to further the creative sector.  Since starting back in 2019 the progamme has supported:

• The creation of over 4000 square metres of creative workspace in Croydon, including artist´s studios, performance spaces and hotdesks.
• A programme of creative sector internships, work experience and job shadowing placements, offering young people paid work placements with leading national and local arts organisations at the London Living Wage.
• Subsidised discounted studio or creative workspaces for under 25s.
• Establishing Croydon Creative Enterprise CIC - an independent social enterprise established in 2023 to create skills development opportunities for our creatives.
• The development and delivery of Croydon's London Borough of Culture Programme.
• The set up of the Croydon Creative Digital Laboratory - a state-of-the-art production space in the community.
• Built on our rich musical heritage to develop Croydon as a music city – a place that encourages and nurtures emerging talent, breaking down barriers to success in the music industry.

At the heart of our CEZ are people – our members. Our membership network has representation from visual arts and designer makers, music, performing arts, the tech sector, co-working providers, developers, the private sector, business support / enterprise and skills, education and community partners. Our membership represents the creative business community in Croydon and maintains a vital advisory role in relation to the CEZ programme. 

They are supported by the CIC Board, chaired by Lizzy Lambie with day-to-day operational help from CEZ Programme Manager, Marcus Harris – Noble.

Croydon Music City

CROYDON MUSIC CITY is the response to findings from extensive ongoing consultation with our musicians, venues, audiences and stakeholders and research from SOUND DIPLOMACY. The initiative is working to develop, support and nurture Croydon’s “music ecosystem” to ensure that it is a place where music and music production is at the heart of the local economy, that encourages and nurtures emerging talent.

CROYDON MUSIC CITY works across five key areas:

• Building a Music Industry Network in Croydon to share knowledge, ideas and skills.  
• Supporting the growth of existing music events and creating performance opportunities for local talent.  
• Working with venues to broaden the local live music offer.
• Celebrating Croydon’s rich music heritage.
• Sector skills development to increase access to the music industry.

The initiative is now overseen by Croydon Creative Enterprise CIC, supported by Project Manager Marcus Harris – Noble.  The CIC are working to address the challenges faced by our music ecosystem.

Since starting in 2019, projects  have included:

• The development of the Croydon Music City grants scheme for projects that contribute to the five key areas listed above.
• The “Croydon Calling” gig series that placed up and coming local acts alongside world – class performers in local venues.
• The “Live Lodge” delivered in partnership with Croydon BID, that brought live music to the street on North End.

If you are a local musician, venue or supplier of music related services, create a profile on the site and if you have any questions, please contact Marcus Harris – Noble at marcus.harris@croydon.gov.uk