An Ode to Arts & Culture

(Or blowing a Raspberry Pi at the Desserters)

A Raspberry Pi for the Gloom.? How Arts and Culture Will Lift Our Spirits and Guide Us Through

As a female founder navigating the unpredictable waters of London’s economic and political storms, I can’t help but feel people’s tension rising with every passing day. The days are growing shorter, the much-feared budget looms closer, and everyone from investors to executives is bracing for impact. Will capital gains tax and inheritance tax gnaw away at the hard-earned fruits of labour? Will the allure of cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona, with their irresistible tax regimes and sunny living costs, continue to lure away our talent?

Executives I speak to are ready to pack their bags, and investors are withdrawing funds faster than I can say “UK financial strategy.” London, once a shining beacon for talent and entrepreneurship, is losing its sheen – or so they say. Some of my clients have already downgraded it to third place in their “preferred cities” list, behind our cheery continental neighbours. And yet, as a born-and-bred Londoner, I refuse to join the exodus. Instead, I blow a Raspberry Pi (the tech version, not the fruit, of course) in their general direction. A shout out to Eben Upton - thank you for helping us restore the faith.

Let them go! London isn’t all doom and gloom, even if our wallets are feeling a little thinner these days. What they overlook, in their tax calculations and profit & loss sheets, is the lifeblood of this city: its arts, its culture, its vibrant, unapologetic energy. Sure, the political landscape might look like a scene from a Monty Python sketch, but London’s cultural heartbeat is as strong as ever, ready to lift our spirits and propel us forward. I am Sausages … I mean Brian.

In times like these, when numbers on spreadsheets start to look bleak, we need to turn to what makes this city truly magical – the music, galleries and theatres that breathe life into London’s streets. And the best part? You don’t have to shell out a fortune to feel inspired.

Here are some free and brilliant experiences that remind us why London is still a city to rejoice in:

Southbank Centre Creative Encounters Colours 25th September There’s nothing quite like it to inject some creative verve into your soul, in fact one of my earliest memories is from the Royal Festival Hall and it still fills me with joy. With its ever-changing roster of events, from live music to art exhibitions, it’s the perfect antidote to the budget blues. Creative Encounters is a visual artist and therapist – and it’s free, there’s no NHS waiting list here! Meet fellow Londoners (those who haven’t fled for Barcelona, at least), and let the creativity spark some fresh ideas.

Belongings Exhibition, Bush House Arcade 2nd October

An exhibition which champions and explores the positivity of migration, which is the very reason London is this fantastic melting pot of people, cultures and is in my heart an embracer of ideas and a leader in innovation.

Southbank Saturday Bollyqueer 5th October ? Feeling low? A vibrant celebration of Bollywood meets Queer culture, this event promises to be a riot of colour, music, and dance … a reminder of London’s rich, diverse tapestry. It’s a celebration of intersectionality in the arts and a perfect excuse to lose yourself in something truly thrilling. Sure, tax discussions might be casting shadows over brunches, but I hear Bollyqueer will have you dancing them away in no time.

Walking Tour, Origins of West End Theatre 8th November If you’re looking to get outdoors and combine a history lesson with some exercise, this walking tour will transport you through time, exploring the birth of West End theatre. You’ll rediscover the city’s iconic streets and delve into its theatrical past. It’s a brilliant reminder of how culture has shaped the city we love – long before tax codes and financial forecasts dominated the headlines.?

As we navigate the current doldrums of economic uncertainty, Londoners don’t have to resign ourselves to despair. Yes, it’s tempting to follow the trend and flee for sunnier, more financially favourable climes, but for those of us who stay, there’s something special about embracing the spirit of London. The arts and culture scene here isn’t just a side note; it’s a lifeline, pulling us out of the spreadsheets and into the streets where ideas, creativity and community thrive.

So, let’s pause for a moment. In the midst of political uncertainty, economic shifts, and looming budgets, I invite you to lean into what London does best. Grab your Raspberry Pi (did I mention this fruity little offering has predicted higher than expected profits), blow a proverbial one in the direction of all this doom and gloom, dive headfirst into the cultural treasure trove we have at our feet.

After all, if anything can carry us through the storm, it’s the irrepressible spirit of London’s arts scene.

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