London’s character has been deeply influenced by its various diasporic communities whose cultures and traditions have not only travelled with them, but have informed their place in the city’s architecture. These communities did not just survive; they thrived. In turn, London has become a richer, more inclusive place where different cultures have come together to create something truly unique.
However, this did not happen overnight. Communities have for centuries fought for an acceptance beyond mere tolerance (some still still are). As a result, cultural and religious spaces have functioned as safe havens for marginalised identities. We can learn from the evolution of London’s architectural tapestry as one that has come to embrace a multitude of cultures, from mosques in living rooms and beacons of religion and culture housed in Georgian terraces, to the opening of the Central Gurdwara in Shepherds Bush.
We as a diasporic community continue to establish the size of our impact, value and importance in London as we have been for generations and for the years to come.
‘EMBRACED OR TOLERATED’ is part of the 2024 City Curator’s programme, which aims to amplify the voice of young people within the Open House Festival.
