Brixton House: Building a resilient future

In the heart of Brixton, amid its busy streets and vibrant culture, lies a beacon of resilience and creativity: Brixton House. Reflecting on its remarkable journey from inception to its current standing, I am reminded of the myriad challenges we faced and the unwavering determination that kept us moving forward.

Like many other arts organisations, the backdrop against which we operate is undeniably challenging, grappling with questions of sustainability and survival. Brixton House has embraced these challenges as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

I joined as a consultant in June 2022, helping to steer its vision and direction. It was at a pivotal moment, in transition after the closure of its previous site at Ovalhouse. Between 2020 and 2022 – the pandemic years – the Brixton House team had been working entirely remotely, navigating considerable uncertainties to try to stay afloat.

When I arrived, the sense of expectation was palpable. The anticipation surrounding the opening of Brixton House was immense, with hopes running high for a big return. But it was a time marked by lingering doubts and hesitations among the public and artists alike.

Mission to celebrate Black and underrepresented voices

Our workforce had undergone many pandemic-related changes, with staff hesitant to return to the office and audiences to theatre spaces. Yet, despite the obstacles, we remained resolute in our commitment to our community and our mission. 

One of the defining characteristics of Brixton House is the diversity and inclusivity of our team – a reflection of the communities we serve. There is no precedent for an organisation like ours opening its doors under such circumstances. Yet, we embraced the challenge, determined to make a meaningful impact on the cultural landscape in Lambeth.

Central to our mission is the celebration of Black and underrepresented voices. Brixton House serves as a platform for artists from all walks of life to share their stories and perspectives, challenging existing narratives and championing diversity in all its forms.

Deeply rooted in the fabric of the local community

At core lies a deep-seated dedication to community building and representation. As a cultural hub deeply rooted in the fabric of Brixton and Lambeth, Brixton House recognises the transformative power of art in bridging divides and amplifying marginalised voices. 

Through our community outreach programmes, educational initiatives and collaborative projects, we serve as a catalyst for social change, empowering individuals and communities to tell their stories and shape their destinies.

Equally crucial is our unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. At a time when creativity knows no bounds, we continue to push the boundaries of imagination, nurturing emerging talent with our state-of-the-art facilities. 

By building an environment that celebrates artistic risk-taking and experimentation, Brixton House is at the forefront of cultural innovation, captivating audiences and enriching communities. This commitment was evidenced when we achieved seven nominations at the Offie Awards in its first year of operation.

A new chapter

Looking to the future, our core aims are to build financial resilience, develop our excellence and represent our local community. To make Brixton House the best it can be, we need a strong and flexible financial foundation to build on our start-up experience. 

We are proud to be supported both by Lambeth Council and Arts Council England. We plan to use this to improve our business model and work proactively towards financial stability – something which will allow us more freedom and flexibility to achieve our ambitions. We aim not only to fulfil current commitments but also to improve and solidify our reputation for artistic excellence.

Our main asset is our space, and we will experiment with it to maximise its potential. This will include offering our growing audiences high-quality creative programmes that highlight the Black experience and share other diverse perspectives.

Optimistic for the future

Ultimately, we are defined by the communities we represent. We will continue to be a vital part of these communities – cultural, local, national, social or political – and to fully represent them. 

Working at Brixton House has been unlike anything I have experienced before. I’m used to working in established organisations, but Brixton House presented a unique opportunity to be part of building something iconic from the ground up.

In sharing our journey, I hope to inspire and empower fellow cultural organisations facing similar challenges. The road ahead may be uncertain, but I am optimistic that with the right mentality and strategic approach, we will continue to play a vital role in Brixton and beyond.

Delia Barker is Managing Director at Brixton House.
 brixtonhouse.co.uk/
@BrxHouseTheatre