NDT Broadgate was our revolutionary civic space initiative, designed to supercharge the recovery of freelance artists post-pandemic.
Running from August 2021 through July 2022, NDT Broadgate was a large rehearsal and artist development complex exclusively for independent artists, based in City of London.
The revolutionary space was completely FREE for freelance and independent artists to use throughout the year. Featuring more than 16 rehearsal spaces, 10 meeting rooms, project spaces, writers' offices and recording studios, multiple communal areas and a large designers’ studio with make-spaces, this ambitious project was the first of its kind in the world.
On these pages you can explore the context and legacy of NDT Broadgate, including its unique lottery application process, the final report, and the blueprint and vision that made the project a reality. It is our hope that this archive will inspire the next wave of radical reimagining for the future of artist development around the world.
'A generous and essential project' Stephen Fry
Notes from an Impossible Space
Published to coincide with the final NDT Broadgate application ballot, Notes from an Impossible Space: NDT Broadgate and the Future of Artist Support is our year-end project report, capturing a moment in time, an adrenaline shot of inspiration, and a primer for a more hopeful future.
Download Full PDF | Large Text Version | Audio Version
At the time of publishing in May 2022, this revolutionary project had gifted over 105,000 artist-hours of free space to independent theatre-makers, companies, designers and writers. In total, 656 companies and groups made 213 new shows, 29 national tours and 9 new films.
Leading the way in national impact and inclusive, diverse recovery, projects reached the length and breadth of the country – from Theatre Royals Plymouth and Margate to Wakefield and Harrogate – and prestigious London stages including Barbican and Young Vic. With a bold venue design and culture grounded in widening access, 31% of supported artists were Black, East Asian, South Asian and from the Global Majority, 39% Working Class and 16% D/deaf or Disabled.
Hear what our artists had to say:
NDT Broadgate was a partnership between New Diorama Theatre and British Land, in partnership with City of London, and generously supported by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Jerwood Arts and Theatre Deli.
If you have any questions about the legacy and impact of this project, please drop us an email at [email protected].