The Ealing arts scene

Ealing has a wealth of cultural history 

Ealing has had a thriving film industry from its earliest days and has been the home of Ealing Studios, since 1910.

The Questors, founded in 1929, is one of the largest amateur theatres in Europe.

Past students at the Ealing School of Art, now part of the University of West London, include Freddie Mercury, Ronnie Wood and Pete Townshend. 

The Ealing Club is the birthplace of British Rhythm and Blues and the Rolling Stones. This unique piece of history is documented in their film ‘Suburban Steps to Rockland-the history of the Ealing Club’.

The roots of British Bhangra can be traced back to Southall in the 1970s with the group Alaap. Southall is also the place where the Martin brothers had their kiln for their now famous Martinware art pottery. Ealing Council’s large collection can be viewed at the Dominion Centre in Southall.

Jessica and Eric Huntley occupy a place of importance for Britain’s Black community. As pioneering British publishers of Black and Asian literature, they set up a bookshop in West Ealing in the 1970s and established Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications, to promote radical Black writing.

Many famous artists and musicians have lived in Ealing. It now boasts hundreds of amateur and professional arts organisations.

Our heritage is alive with sites of national importance: Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery and Gunnersbury Park Museum. Both sites are open to the public, following completion of restoration works in 2018. Gunnersbury Park Museum has been announced as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation from April 2023.

'New' heritage

Our community arts organisations, festivals and a growing number of creatives are building a 'new heritage' in Ealing. Adding to a wonderful range of community festivals and arts organisations. Some examples are:

Ealing’s young people are practising new styles that are born from their identity and better represent Ealing’s diversity; Led by:

Not having traditional art spaces, like music venues or art centres, has pushed creative expression in different areas. Both in terms of geography and different genres and methods of delivery. It has made our creatives even more enterprising to ensure there is a vibrant arts scene. There is a growing scene in the industrial Park Royal and Acton area. There are at least five major film production studios, many cutting-edge creative workspaces and music recording studios and labels. 

There is also an exciting and growing collection of murals in the borough. In September 2022, we launched the Acton Mural Trail with its inclusion in London Open House. 

Cultural Education Partnership

In 2021, we created a Cultural Education Partnership. This aims to make sure all our young people have access to high quality cultural experiences. Supporting them to create art, in and out of school, whatever their background and wherever they live.

Festivals and events

Ealing is known equally as a green borough and a festivals borough. Our parks offer plenty of chances for events, such as Hanwell Hootie, the largest free one-day music festival in London. Ealing Council hosts Ealing Summer Festivals, which includes Greenford Carnival, Acton Carnival, a two-week Walpole Park event of Jazz, blues, comedy and beer festivals, and the London Mela.

In 2021, we piloted an Ealing Fringe. In 2022, we introduced our youth festival, New Gen, as part of our Ealing Summer Festivals; an event for and by young people.

Diversity

The council has always valued the importance and role of the creative community. Diversity is on show in our carnivals (Hanwell, Greenford and Acton carnivals) and the many religious events and processions, from Eid, Diwali to one of the largest Vaisakhi events in the country. Impact Theatre promotes a positive image of disability.

A key aim of the arts and culture service is to make sure that the arts scene in Ealing better reflects Ealing's diversity. Also to develop networks and collaborative working to make sure more equal opportunities in all seven Ealing towns.

Platinum Jubilee video

Take a look back at how Ealing celebrated Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee in style.