After over 120 applications, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Creative Programme Partner Tramshed have recruited a talented pool of 24 young people to steer the borough’s Cultural Impact Award, part of the Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture programme.
Steering board member Ethan Quao, 18, who performs as 'Etz', was joined by renowned jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen at City Hall to showcase what’s to come from the innovative programme. The duo took to the stage together to perform original compositions ‘Spirit of Bilal’ (Wallen) and ‘Met You’ (Etz), alongside fellow award-winning borough’s Barnet and Merton.
The power will be in the hands of our young panellists, aged 13 to 30, who will name, design and deliver our programme, all while getting paid for it. With innovative work experience partners on board, our steering board members will gain real-life skills from industry experts. They’ll be learning from the likes of world-renowned immersive theatre collective Punchdrunk, pioneering arts company Emergency Exit Arts, and the esteemed FESTIVAL.ORG, producers of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival.
The programme will kick off in June with the public launch of the Cultural Movement Manifesto and the unveiling of a unique piece of art created by hundreds of children and young people from Greenwich schools.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Our Cultural Impact Award programme puts young people in the driver’s seat. They’ll decide who we work with, what we do and how we do it, all while getting paid and developing their creative skills.
“We're removing barriers so that every young person can reach their full potential, and all of our successful steering board candidates are from under-represented backgrounds. Thanks to our brilliant industry partners, all based in Greenwich, our young panellists will gain invaluable experience to help them on their journey to becoming the creative leaders of tomorrow and shaping the future of culture and heritage in our borough and beyond.
“Keep an eye on our social media channels for details of our kick-off event in June - we can’t wait to see what Ethan and the rest of our brilliant young board members deliver!”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “Culture has the power to bring people of all backgrounds together and the Mayor’s Cultural Impact Awards will do just that. Our boroughs are bursting with creativity and this year’s winners will celebrate, entertain and inspire. It’s wonderful Greenwich will hand over the reins to their young creatives to design a host of events. There is so much for residents and visitors to enjoy, helping us continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Steering Board Member Ethan Quao, said: “Through working with Tramshed, I’ve had the chance to meet people, grow and learn in a way I always dreamed of. I became connected to people and to my home, so to represent that as part of the Cultural Impact Award is really special to me.
“Music is my way of expressing and truly being myself, and that's important because we need to stay connected to each other. I believe as artists our duty is to create art to express things that other people are scared to. I want to create events where people can find a safe space to share their experiences, meet people and try new things. I'm so excited for what's next and so honoured to be here!”
Byron Wallen, said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Cultural Impact Award launch event at City Hall, celebrating creativity and collaboration across London. It’s an honour to share the stage with talented young performers like Ethan, and to contribute to an inspiring evening of music and culture for Greenwich and beyond.”
Tramshed Interim Director, Bethan Tomlinson, said, "We've seen an overwhelming response to the call out for our steering boards, proof that there is a huge appetite from brilliant local young people to gain skills, develop their ideas and join the thriving UK Creative and Cultural Industries. We are thrilled to be able to facilitate this work and support the community to bring the stories and culture that inspires them to life."
The Cultural Impact Award is part of a £2.3million investment into arts and culture in the Royal Borough of Greenwich as part of the council’s Getting Things Done programme.
There are three Cultural Impact Awards taking place across London. Alongside the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Barnet and Merton are also hosting borough-wide programmes throughout 2026, with all three boroughs collaborating on key elements. Barnet is staging Light + Flight - a new borough-wide cultural programme bringing together artists, communities and local stories to explore creativity, connection and belonging. Merton is staging Start of the Line, a new festival spotlighting local talent alongside national legends. Merton has also launched a grants scheme, artists residencies and has more to unveil.
Follow @royal_greenwich and @Tramshed_ to be first for updates on our Cultural Impact Award activities.