The King visits SXSW London and Old Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch
Published
Hosted for the first time in Europe, The King has visited South by SouthWest London (SXSW London), a culture, technology and creativity festival in Shoreditch, East London.
Originating in Austin, Texas, and with its first European iteration this year, SXSW London celebrates the convergence of technology, film, education and music, hosting a number of discussions, exhibitions and networking events.
The festival aims to serve as platform to showcase the future of the creative industries, supporting emerging artists and innovative projects and features an interdisciplinary arts programme unique to SXSW London.
SXSW London has delegates attending from 56 countries including from around the Commonwealth, including Australia, Canada, Cyprus, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
In the main exhibition space, The King walked through an immersive art installation centered around sustainability, named 'Grounding'. The video installation uses AI and data to continuously morph landscape images, reflecting how the natural world is constantly adapting and changing.
His Majesty met the artist, Damien Roach, a London-based creative, who explained the use of AI and the process of creating the installation.
SXSW London is hosting a number of events about the impact of climate change as part of its Planet and Energy programme, and in the main exhibition, The King met speakers involved in panel session, entitled 'Love The Earth'.
'Love The Earth' is a children’s animated series which aims to highlight the importance of nature, cultural preservation and indigenous cultures.
Moving to Christ Church, Spitalfields, The King viewed 'Beautiful Collisions', an exhibition exploring the contribution of artists from the Caribbean to British Art and Culture. With a mix of visual arts, community and music, the exhibition centres around work by Alberta Whittle, Alvaro Barrington, Denzil Forrester, Zinzi Minott and Alex Rita.
His Majesty then attended a special reception with artists, local residents, speakers, SXSW London’s advisory council and senior staff. Rooted in the heart of Shoreditch, the festival has been designed to reflect and uplift the local community, using existing venues, such as independent galleries, clubs, and community-led spaces like Truman Brewery, Village Underground, Rich Mix, and Shoreditch Town Hall.
Beyond the festival itself, SXSW London is committed to leaving a positive lasting legacy. In collaboration with local charities and community organisations such as East London Arts and Music, the School of Traditional Arts, and UK BlackTech, the festival is expanding access and supporting initiatives that champion homegrown creativity, inclusivity, and diversity.
Key community-focused initiatives include Creative Futures, led by Idris Elba in partnership with The King’s Trust, and Mission 44, founded by Lewis Hamilton. Both programmes are dedicated to empowering the next generation of talent and creating meaningful opportunities for creatives to shine on a global stage.
Departing Christ Church, The King met members of the local community at Old Spitalfields Market.
There has been a regular market in Spitalfields since 1682, when King Charles II granted a Royal Charter for a market to be held on the site every Thursday and Saturday.
Thursdays at Old Spitalfields’s Market are regarded as Antiques Thursday. Touring the market, His Majesty spoke to stallholders working in interior design, set design, and costume.
Related content
