Quote of the Week - “Wisdom begins in wonder.” - Socrates

Good Afternoon London. In this edition of The London Palette, hop on the city train and time travel through the analogue world to our current digital reality. On the way take in a history lesson about workers’ rights. Then, discover how professors are empowering families. Take inspiration from one borough that has cracked the happiness code. And don’t forget to treat yourself by enjoying culture on a budget at one of our city’s great landmarks.

Snatched highlights from this week’s edition:

1. Funding Resources for Writers and Artists

2. King’s College Research is Changing Lives

3. Head to UK’s First World Food Superstore

4. Discover Why One Borough Keeps Smiling

5. Live music from Louie Vega.…and lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

London’s Happiest Postcode – Why Richmond Keeps Smiling

What if the secret to urban happiness isn't just about wealth, but has more to do with creating the perfect "10-minute neighbourhood"? While London's overall wellbeing score trails behind the national average, one borough in South West London, has consistently defied the trend. Rightmove has crowned Richmond 'the happiest place to live in London' for the last seven years.

Each year, Rightmove's publishes a comprehensive Happy at Home Index, after surveying 35,000 people across the UK, by evaluating 15 distinct 'happiness factors’. They include community spirit, green spaces, employment opportunities, cultural activities, and access to essential amenities. Richmond tops the leaderboard in London because of it historic charm and well-preserved architecture. Along with abundant parks and green spaces that are supported by a vibrant town centre teaming with life.

Data from Trust for London, one of London’s largest funders, confirms that the average wellbeing score in London is 7.46 which lags behind England’s average mark of 7.55. Plus, as Londoners, our anxiety levels have increased from 3.10 to 3.28. Fortunately, Richmond bucks this trend because of its strategic urban planning practices.

According to local real estate experts, Richmond's appeal goes beyond amenities. The borough has established itself as one of London's most sought-after locations due to its comprehensive lifestyle offerings. Many house hunters set Richmond as their ultimate goal. And once they move there, they rarely leave and it is this trend that contributes to its strong community feeling.

Richmond’s model of neighbourhood cohesion offers other local authorities a clear blueprint to boost resident satisfaction. They can prioritise community connections, preserve green spaces that are welcoming for everyone. Plus, leaders can focus on creating walkable neighbourhoods where amenities are just minutes away. Wherever you live in the city, you want to maintain a sense of pride. Along with feeling that you belong and are valuable in your local community. All of these attributes will aid your happiness. Decision makers, take note.

CITY PALETTE

From Flicker to Pixels – How Artists Hacked Tech at Tate Modern

Step into the psychedelic wonderland of the 1950s and 60s, where pioneers like Brion Gysin invented the Dreammachine, a flicker device designed as a piece of art to be viewed with your eyes closed. His hypnotic light sculpture using precise mathematical calculations and a 78-rpm turntable, shows how artists turned industrial components into portals of perception.

You’ll also explore the wonders of the 1970s, where artists ushered in a new era of experimentation, like Carlos Cruz Diez and his mind-bending installations. He led the way in terms of using moving projections to challenge our understanding of colour and space.

As the Exhibition moves into the 1980s, you’ll witness the democratisation of digital creativity. The arrival of affordable home computers like the £100 Sinclair ZX80 that transformed our bedrooms into DIY digital art studios. Desktop publishing was now accessible and affordable. Despite their limited capabilities by today’s standards, these machines sparked a creative revolution that would lay the foundation for our current digital art landscape.

Electric Dreams culminates in an interactive finale featuring Monika Fleischmann and Wolfgang Strauss's Liquid Views, where you can engage with your own digitised reflections. This thrillingly experimental Exhibition not only celebrates the past but reminds us how these pioneering artists helped shape our contemporary digital world.

Book tickets here - https://www.tate.org.uk

Big Culture, Small Price – Barbican’s Best-Kept Secret

The Barbican has found a way to make world class culture both accessible and affordable, with it's innovative Bitesize programme. This curated selection of experiences offers everything from £6 cinema tickets on Mondays to hour-long concerts with the legendary London Symphony Orchestra.

If you admire architecture you can explore the iconic Brutalist masterpiece during a 90-minute tour, for just £10. While nature lovers can escape to London's second-largest Conservatory, a hidden tropical oasis in the heart of the concrete jungle.

Bitesize also extends to dining experiences too, with a selection of wallet-friendly options including happy hour at the Martini bar. And £15 burger-and-drink deals at the Barbican Bar and Grill. If you have children under 10, take advantage of their kids-eat-free offers, when adults have a meal at a certain price.

Young Barbican members aged from 14 to 25 enjoy special access to £5 tickets across various events. While the innovative ‘Pay What You Can’ scheme ensures culture remains accessible to all. Current highlights include Sir Simon Rattle conducting Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony in the early-evening Half Six Fix series. And an intriguing puppet theatre season featuring international performers.

From contemporary art exhibitions to avant-garde theatre, Bitesize Barbican proves that experiencing London's cultural powerhouse doesn't require deep pockets or endless time. All you need is curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Book tickets here - https://www.barbican.org.uk

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Where Light Dances – Battersea’s Wonderland Unveiled

London's most electrifying winter spectacle has returned to transform Battersea Power Station into a luminous wonderland. If you are a curious soul, it’s time to delight in this free night-time adventure. Now’s your chance to explore eight mesmerising light installations that blur the line between art and technology.

When you move into "In Bloom" your movements orchestrate a symphony of light and sound. Or, mount the illuminated steed of "Never Ends" to trigger a cascade of lights in your own fairy-tale moment. Inside the Power Station's majestic Turbine Hall, "Light Piano" is waiting for you to turn musical notes into visual poetry.

Beyond the installations, the Festival comes alive with roaming performers who seem to have stepped out of a dream. LED drummers create rhythmic light shows, while illuminated stilt walkers dance among the crowds. Warmth, is around the corner at Malaysia Square's Winter Warmers huts. They offer comfort food with a twist. Imagine sipping mulled wine while watching acrobats spin through rings of light.

The culinary adventure continues with special menus, including Paris Baguette's £10 afternoon tea provides a cosy respite. Or, enjoy JOIA’s candlelit feast, 15 floors above the twinkling installations. This hidden gem of London's winter calendar proves that even the darkest nights can sparkle with possibility. This free event transforms an industrial icon into a canvas of light, sound, and wonder.

Find out more here - https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Blood, Sweat and Rights – The Fight for Fair Work at Wellcome

A groundbreaking Exhibition exploring the complex relationship between physical labour and human health opens at the Wellcome Collection. Hard Graft: Work, Health and Rights presents a powerful examination of workers' rights and resistance through over 150 compelling artifacts.

The Exhibition weaves together untold stories of labourers who have faced precarious and unsafe working conditions throughout history. Through historical objects, contemporary art, films, and newly commissioned works, you can trace the global interconnections of working practices and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights.

From factory floors to protest lines, the collection illuminates hidden histories of collective action and healing practices. You’ll see how workers have organised, resisted, and supported each other in the fight for better conditions and recognition.

This timely Exhibition invites you to consider the human cost of labour and the continuing importance of workers' rights in our modern economy. By highlighting under-represented voices and experiences, Hard Graft creates a powerful narrative about the dignity of work and the persistent struggle for workplace safety and justice.

Book tickets here - https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions

LONDON BUZZ

Beyond the Ivory Tower - How King's Research is Improving London

In a city where world-class academia can sometimes feel worlds apart from everyday life, King’s College London is flipping the script. The College’s 2025 Engaged Research Awards have spotlighted how innovative research can make a real impact beyond lecture halls. This is especially true when it’s shaped by and for the local community.

Over 130 students, staff, and community partners recently gathered at the grand Great Hall to recognise the pioneering spirit of public engagement. Thirteen winners took home accolades for their groundbreaking work, with two standout projects demonstrating just how powerful research can be when it’s woven into the fabric of city life.

One of the most compelling winners, Professor Tomoki Arichi’s Developing Brain Workshops, took the Local Research Communication Award for its transformative approach to early brain development. In partnership with Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, his team crafted accessible workshops demystifying neurodevelopmental conditions for local families. The response? Enthusiastic parents, family support workers, and NHS professionals coming together in lively discussions, breaking down barriers between scientific expertise and lived experience.

For Professor Arichi, the motivation is deeply personal. Watching children grow from tiny, sleeping infants to gadget-wielding kids, has fuelled his passion. Both as a paediatric neurodisability doctor and a researcher. His project brings this journey to life, helping families navigate complex neurological conditions with clarity and confidence.

The Engaged Research Awards aren’t just about celebrating achievements. They’re a crucial part of King’s Strategy 2026, a commitment to embedding research into the heart of society. This approach proves that universities aren’t ivory towers but dynamic hubs of collaboration, where expertise meets real-world challenges in school halls, community centres, and local meetings.

By championing research that directly benefits Londoners, King’s College is fostering a network of students, scholars, and community members dedicated to making our city a better, more informed place. Because the best ideas don’t just belong in academic journals. They belong in the hands of the people who can use them the most.

Find out more here - https://www.kcl.ac.uk

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Eel Pie Club - February 6

You’re in for a night of musical mastery when New York blues innovator Hitman Blues Band bring their electrifying sound to this show. Fresh off their new album "Calling Long Distance," Russell "Hitman" Alexander and his powerhouse ensemble deliver a unique fusion of modern blues, jazz, and rock that's earned them critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. With their signature blend of soulful ballads and foot-stomping grooves, backed by stirring vocals and Russel’s dynamic guitar work, this performance promises to be electrifying.

Book tickets here - https://www.eelpieclub.com

Green Note - February 1

British blues legend Errol Linton is here to entertain you with his unique Caribbean-infused harmonica expertise. The three-time UK Blues Harmonica Player of the Year, who's been crafting his distinctive Brixton blues sound for three decades, blends the spirit of Chicago's Little Walter with sun-soaked reggae rhythms. Accompanied by longtime collaborator Adam Blake on guitar and Lance Rose on double bass, Errol promises an evening of soulful innovation. Catch this living milestone of British blues.

Book tickets here - https://www.greennote.co.uk

Hackney Empire - February 8

Join musical innovators The Leo Twins - Haroon and Sharoon when they unite with Britain's premier Qawwali artist Chand Ali Khan for an extraordinary evening of East-meets-West fusion. The Twins have a masterful command of over 10 instruments between them including violin, rubab, and tabla. And together with Chand's mesmerising ensemble, they’ll take you for a three-hour spiritual and sonic journey through 700-year-old Sufi traditions and contemporary soundscapes. Soak up the groundbreaking blend of devotional Qawwali and modern instrumental mastery.

Book tickets here - https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Here at Outernet - February 7

Allow house music royalty Louie Vega to lead you into a dance sanctuary. The Grammy-winning maestro, celebrated for his genre-defying Elements of Life project, brings his intoxicating blend of house, salsa, and Afro-beat to London's most cutting-edge underground venue. From soulful jazz rhythms to gospel-infused house classics, Louie’s skillful musical alchemy promises an unforgettable journey through dance music's richest territories. Don’t miss this genius at work.

Book tickets here - https://hereldn.com

Ninety One Living Room - January 31

Global groove architects SuedeJazz Collective are waiting to share their melting pot of sonic inspiration with you. The ensemble, featuring virtuosos from Togo to Hong Kong, bring their signature blend of contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and afrobeat to Brick Lane's most intimate stage. With Pharoah Sanders-inspired saxophones weaving through Roots-style guitars and hypnotic electronic beats, this residency promises a thrilling journey through world rhythms. Catch their boundary-pushing performance.

Book tickets here - https://91livingroom.com

Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho - February 7

Cuban piano virtuoso Elio Rojas is ready to weave his classical finesse with Afro-Cuban sounds and contemporary jazz inventions. Elio’s charismatic style has earned him a reputation for transforming jazz standards into a vibrant cultural dialogue. This is your moment to experience his signature blend of tradition and innovation, accompanied by his stellar trio.

Book tickets here - https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club - February 4

Jazz supergroup The Entertainers, led by piano virtuoso Joe Stilgoe and Kansas Smittys' Giacomo Smith, bring their love letter to jazz club culture. This stellar ensemble, featuring vocalists Sumudu Jayatilaka and Pete Horsfall, crafts musical portraits of the colourful characters found in jazz venues worldwide. Their debut show has already sold out, don’t miss this second date to experience an evening of storytelling through jazz, celebrating the unique spirit of nightlife's most fascinating personalities.

Book tickets here - https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk

St. Paul’s Church - February 8

Award-winning Icon Strings transforms The Actors' Church into a candlelit musical theatre sanctuary, for your soul. The distinguished quartet, featuring virtuosos from London's Royal Opera House and Royal Albert Hall, reimagines Broadway and West End classics from Les Misérables to Wicked in stunning string arrangements. You’ll be surrounded by 1,000 flickering candles, while listening to fresh interpretations of beloved showstoppers, including Hamilton's rap translates ingeniously to classical strings. Experience this exquisite fusion of theatrical drama and chamber music.

Book tickets here - https://actorschurch.org

The Half Moon - February 6

Soul royalty comes to Putney as powerhouse vocalist Marva King shares her legendary voice. Marva has collaborated with icons including Prince's New Power Generation, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Beyond her Billboard chart success and starring role in "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," Marva continues to innovate, with new music and a wearable art collection launching, this year. Don't miss this intimate evening with one of music's most versatile voices. During her set, Marva will also share stories from her illustrious career.

Book tickets here - https://www.halfmoon.co.uk

The Jazz Cafe - February 2

Enjoy this night of celebration when Dub pioneer, Dr Dennis Bovell MBE brings his annual King Tubby tribute, honouring the revolutionary legacy of Jamaica's remix mastermind. The legendary producer, whose own innovations helped shape British reggae, recreates King's groundbreaking studio techniques that transformed the musical landscape from hip-hop to electronic music, Joined by Jamie Rodigan, Haseeb Iqbal and Open The Gate Sound Collective, this evening is a masterclass in dub engineering and sonic transformations. Don’t miss out.

Book tickets here - https://thejazzcafe.com

The Lower Third - February 10

Ryan Hurd the Nashville country star is in town to showcase his riverting acoustic set. Enjoy this talented, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, as he strips down hits from his acclaimed album "Pelago" and latest release "Midwest Rock & Roll." Ryan is known for penning platinum hits for Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan. And now is his time to shine as he steps into the spotlight of this historic and rare UK performance. It’s your chance to experience one of country music's most compelling voices.

Book tickets here - https://thelowerthird.co.uk

Union Chapel - January 31

Get ready for an intimate unplugged performance from Blues-rock powerhouse Kris Barras. The chart-topping artist peels back his electrifying sound alongside longtime collaborator Josiah J Manning. From record store acoustic sessions to this grand Gothic setting, Kris promises a uniquely reimagined setlist that showcases the raw soul behind his acclaimed catalogue. Join this special evening of heightened artistry.

Book tickets here - https://unionchapel.org.uk

BUSINESS SCENE

Saveways - Croydon’s World Food Superstore

Excitement builds for the opening of a new superstore nestled in Croydon. It’s set to be a rising star on the retail horizon. It’s brought to you by UK Rappers turned retailers, Krept and Konan. Both hail from this side of South London, and they have honed in on a large, underserved niche. They are fulfilling the need for a wide selection of accessible food from around the world. This was enough motivation for them to launch, Saveways, the UK’s first inclusive supermarket. The emerging retailers have invested £1 million to bring their vision to life.

Saveway will serve over 257,000 residents from Black, Asian, and multi-ethnic backgrounds, in Croydon and Sutton. Their strategic move addresses the area's longstanding challenge with smaller shops that have historically fallen short on product variety, hygiene standards, and fair pricing.

The business sits within a 15,000 square feet facility near Asda and IKEA. There’s an onsite prayer room and 30 parking spaces. The store is also fitted with digital integration including a click-and-collect service, partnerships with Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eats.

Saveway’s investment improves the economy in Croydon by creating 30 new jobs and offering wholesale opportunities to local businesses. Through an exclusive UK distribution deal with Martin's Potato Rolls and partnerships with global brands like McCain and Heinz, Saveways is positioning itself as both a retail and wholesale powerhouse.

This venture represents a new model of community-focused retail, where cultural understanding meets commercial viability. With their established brand power and deep community roots, Krept and Konan are demonstrating how entertainment industry success can translate into meaningful business innovation. The launch coincides with the duo's busy schedule, including their new album release and MOBO Awards performance in early February. Together, they’re showcasing their ability to balance entertainment and entrepreneurship.

Find out more here - https://www.savewayswholesale.co.uk

Creator Catalysts - Funding and Resources

Wave Form Radio Art Residencies

International writers, artists and researchers are invited to make submissions to create art for a terrestrial radio station. Participants must have an appreciation of the difference between FM radio and online radio including podcasts. If selected, artists in residence will work in person at the Wave Form Radio Station creating a 55 minute radio art for terrestrial radio broadcast, The Radio Art Hour. A stipend of $2000 will be awarded to successful applicants. Creatives can apply from anywhere in the world.

Closing date - February 1 2025

Apply here - https://wavefarm.org/ta/residency-program/info-apply

Kala Fellowship Arts Residency

This artist residency programme is open to international applicants. Kala provides fellowships to artists from various disciplines each year based on conceptual creativity, originality, and artistic excellence. This $3,000 international award is open to artists producing innovative work in and across multiple media. Artists will be supported to complete specific projects that would benefit from Kala's specialised equipment, for up to 9 months.

Closing date - February 2 2025

Apply here - https://kala.slideroom.com/#/login/program/82148

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK

English Word:
Intrinsic
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/
Definition:   Belonging naturally; essential.
Cultural Note: Often used in discussions about values, motivations, or inherent qualities.

Danish Word:
Hygge (Danish)
Pronunciation: /ˈhʊɡə/
Definition:  A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that creates a feeling of contentment or wellbeing.
Cultural Note: Reflects the Danish values of equality, togetherness, and wellbeing.

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