Free Word explores the power and politics of words We bring together a rich variety of the most exciting writers and thinkers the new and the established. We spark critical conversations about society, culture and politics, and we amplify voices that often go unheard. In our distinctive building in Clerkenwell, we host dynamic public events and provide a home and hub to other organisations that champion freedom of expression by nourishing writers, readers, speakers and listeners. We are proud to be supported by the Norwegian Free Expression charity, Fritt Ord, and to be an Arts Council England NPO.
Mission To influence the range of perspectives shaping society by championing powerful, experimental writing and conversation, which highlights underheard voices and ideas of our times.
Values Inspiration Being stimulated to do or feel something Empathy Understanding and sharing the feelings of another Bravery Courageous behaviour or character Operating Principles Sustainability Maintaining something at a certain rate or level Diversity A range of different things
Charitable Objectives To promote Literary arts for public benefit Efficiency and effectiveness of charitable literature and literacy organisations Human rights as set out in the UN s declaration, thorugh education and the arts, awareness-raising, support and respect, promoting religious and racial harmony, equality and diversity
Artistic Programme
Planning a Season Timeline truncated for This Is Private (Sep Dec 2018) and Season 2 (Jan April 2019) 18 months ahead Identify themes with Free Expression experts Discuss with core partners Identify Curator Host think-in with partners Shape programme with Curator and partners 6 months ahead 12 months ahead Fundraise 3 months ahead Programme announcement and promotion Full programme in place and ready to launch
Season 1: Autumn 2018 Privacy creates a tension at the heart of all our lives. To be individual, we need personal space; to be part of a community, we need to share our space. From the memoir to the confessional; voyeurism to suspicion, we will explore the power of secrets kept behind closed doors, and who these secrets hold in thrall. We will spark discussion about our approach to privacy as a society, the information journalists, companies and governments can and can t access in the UK and around the world, and the impact of this for us as individuals in the context of the UK government recently legalising the most extreme surveillance in the history of western democracy. Welcome to
This Is Private A season exploring our personal lives and private fears, what we share and what is taken from us...
Audience Free Word s unique programmes will explore the power and politics of words through art, writing, ideas and conversation, and champion new and underheard voices alongside established perspectives and expertise. Our main target audiences are 18-30 year olds interested in provocative, unconventional and exciting perspectives and events and in the key political and social issues of our times. However, Free Word wants to operate beyond the bubble, and use words to bridge difference and increase the influence of those currently underrepresented in the mainstream. So, we also want to engage those with agency and power, including older audience groups with more establishment perspectives and tastes.
Curators High profile Popular with target audiences Media reach Expert Influential networks
Sub-Themes RELIGION THE SELF SEX IDENTITY TERRORISM GENDER DEMOCRACY PRIVATISATION THE BODY THE STATE TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION NHS SURVEILLANCE SOCIAL MEDIA THE LAW MENTAL HEALTH THE PRESS THE POLICE
Formats BLOG DEBATE FILM TWITTER BOOK CLUB DIGITAL VIDEO INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER THEATRE WORKSHOP SPOKEN WORD PODCAST MUSIC PERFORMANCE INTERVIEW COMEDY
Touring Longer term Festivals Regional
Media
Home and Hub
Home Our Home is a beautiful building at 60 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell; it is the only public venue dedicated to the power and politics of words in London. We can accommodate up to 40 people cabaret style, 90 seated in theatre raking and up to 200 standing. We have a pop up bar and café, and will be developing our food and drink offer to complement programming needs during 2018. We also offer 76 permanent desk spaces to Residents, informal hot-desking arrangements to Associates, and meeting rooms for groups of 4 18.
Residents Free Word is home to six important charities who together impact millions of people in the UK and internationally. Apples and Snakes, Article 19, Arvon, English PEN, The Literary Consultancy and The Reading Agency defend the right to free expression, support writers from around the world and ensure that individuals from all kinds of backgrounds are able to express themselves. Free Word is proud to provide comfortable and friendly subsidised serviced work space in the heart of London to these organisations so that they can pursue their own work effectively. We also provide a space in which these organisations can come together, share ideas and collaborate.
Associates Free Word s Associates and Partners include many of the most interesting, knowledgeable and well connected individuals and organisations in our fields, including those supporting emerging and under-heard voices in the UK and internationally. We will extend this network in support of our mission over the coming years.
Hub: Collaborative Learning Free Word will support and disseminate best practice on diversity, equality and holding conversations across difference. We will offer training and learning about techniques, approaches, formats and evaluation tools that allow under-heard voices to speak up, and be heard.