London culture strategy puts Mayor in a Spin

Spin has designed the launch materials for London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s ‘draft culture strategy’, which goes out to consultation this week to Londoners and relevant institutions across the capital city.

The group has created a 205-page booklet – setting out the Greater London Authority proposals in full – an executive summary, as well as a large format ‘broadsheet’ or ‘gateway’ document that will be distributed around London. It includes a questionnaire to enable the general public to express its views.

The literature combines a Margaret Calvert typeface with images of London life commissioned from 14 photographers, including Martin Parr, Juergen Teller and Elaine Constantine.

Craft company African Majesty, run by Ghanaian Princess Adelaide, was also commissioned to design symbolic bookmarks.

Spin senior designer Tom Crabtree says, ‘It’s a very text heavy document, almost like an annual report. We developed the visual language of dot-style abstract maps of London to act as a thread to keep it together and give it integrity.’

Livingstone aims to co-ordinate support for the arts, sport, heritage and creative industries over the next ten years to sustain London’s position as ‘a centre of cultural excellence and creativity’. Specific activities are likely to range from managing the night-time economy to improving public places and spaces.

The public consultation period runs until 15 September.