Lambeth Council has welcomed the historic launch of the ‘Backstage’ building, a new creative hub in the heart of Waterloo. The new space will enable the world famous theatre to expand its award winning community programmes, opening the arts up to Lambeth communities who are underrepresented in the theatre industry.
Over 1,000 young people a year will benefit from new opportunities, including paid placements, employability training, hands on experience, peer to peer learning, work experience and mentoring.
Backstage, which was launched officially yesterday evening, is open to all, offering a daytime cafe and workspace, a vibrant bar and restaurant, a free script library, a dedicated education studio, writers’ room, studio and events spaces.
The building was supported by innovative seed-funding from Lambeth Council, including a loan and £585,000 grant from Lambeth’s Future Workspace Fund, described by Old Vic CEO Laura Stevenson as a ‘game-changing’ contribution to the project.
The launch follows the publication of Lambeth’s Growth Plan earlier this year and will contribute directly to the borough’s ambitions for inclusive growth – providing over 9,000 square feet of affordable workspace, supporting 125 businesses each year and creating 44 new jobs.
Opening up the arts for Lambeth residents
As part of the funding agreement with the Old Vic, the theatre will provide £1.9million of in-kind community benefits over the next decade. It’s programmes include;
- Work-experience and mentoring in the arts for local residents, supported by youth outreach to encourage engagement by people from all backgrounds
- Discounted tickets and other offers, including reduced price tickets for young people during school holidays and the ‘Matinee Idols’ programme for over 60s
- Free and discounted access for local school and community groups to use the building’s workspace and rehearsal rooms
- Streetwise Opera will deliver their singing and creative workshops aimed at people with experience of homelessness from the Clore Learning Centre
Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council with Laura Stevenson, Executive Director of The Old Vic and representatives from Lambeth Council. Photo by Jonny Ruff
Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council said:
“The opening of Backstage at the Old Vic is a historic moment for Lambeth’s world-class arts and cultural sector. I’m proud that Lambeth Council was able to support the project from its earliest stages, providing seed funding that helped to unlock millions of pounds in support from donors.
“In Lambeth, we’re enormously proud of our culture of creativity. The arts don’t just entertain – they employ tens of thousands of people and offer unique opportunities to residents young and old.
“Lambeth’s creative sector has huge potential for growth, and Backstage will contribute directly to our vision for a borough where growth is people-centred, community-led and environmentally sustainable”
Notes to editors
- Seven Lambeth cultural organisations have been supported by the Future Workspace Fund, including 198 gallery, ASC and Rambert as well as The Old Vic.
- In total, the £3.3million fund has so far supported eleven local organisations and unlocked £21million of match funding, supporting over 1600 jobs, 665 businesses and the creation of 77,000 square feet of workspace.
