Exploring science through art and local culture


In 2020, the London borough of Sutton was a recipient of a prestigious Cultural Impact Award from The Mayor of London. Sutton achieved the sought after prize with a proposal exploring science through art and culture.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. Through the blending of these themes the London Borough of Sutton have assembled an exciting and vibrant programme of cultural and science related activities and events, that the public can enjoy.

Sutton STEAMs Ahead programme includes

Light and Dark Festival

Light and Dark Festival

The Light & Dark Festival connects and elevates Sutton's diverse community by exploring the winter festivities celebrated across the borough. The theme of this festival is light and dark, the triumph of light over darkness and the hope for renewal and warmth during the coldest and darkest time of the year.
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STEAM Hub

STEAM Hub

Get to know an interesting array of STEAM professionals, watching a video series of fascinating stories on how people started their career journey's in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths, and how they got to where they are now.

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Creative Impact

Creative Impact

The Creative Impact Research and Development Residency supports a creative practitioner with a research and development (R&D) project that explores the intersection of art and science. Artist Julie Light is the Sutton STEAMs Ahead’s Artist in Residence at the London Cancer Hub (LHR) until January 2024.
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We Dance for Life

We Dance for Life

A short film created with the help of dozens of local volunteers that celebrates the research that will one day beat cancer.

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Sutton Hidden Worlds

Sutton's Hidden Worlds

Free lesson packs and resources for primary schools across Sutton that explore the wonders in the environment around us.
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A person hovering over the ground in a solo-flight suit with air thrusters attached to their arms

Sutton STEAM Fair

The Sutton STEAM Fair brought an incredible week of extraordinary attractions, workshops and memories for almost 10,000 attendees!

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Shed Loads of Happiness

Shed Loads of Happiness

What makes us happy is often connected to the objects, stories, experiences and memories that we feel, or that remind us of positive moments in our lives. Shed Loads of Happiness aims to explore this idea in a post-Covid Sutton, by directly connecting and engaging with Sutton's communities in a variety of ways.

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Lavender Fields Forever

Lavender Fields Forever

This project strand looks at the local significance of the lavender and herb growing industries, as well as the science of distillation and the science of smell. Throughout the year, creative and engaging activities on this theme take place, suitable for all ages, along with historical talks and walks taking place at Sutton’s heritage sites and around the borough.

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Whitehall Historic House lit with a blue hue

Then, Now, Next

Then, Now, Next seeks to improve residents' understanding of the science of photography, and the photographic collections in The London Borough of Sutton’s Archives.

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Two dancers in an open street

Find Out What's On

Sutton STEAMs Ahead aims to uniquely blend the arts and sciences through S.T.E.A.M themes (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths). Find out about the events happening as part of Sutton STEAMs Ahead!

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We would love to know what you think of the Sutton STEAMs Ahead programme.