Artsdepot marks 21st anniversary with ‘full circle’ exhibition

A £60,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting the retelling of Artsdepot’s creation story, bringing its roots and community legacy to the forefront.

Since opening, Artsdepot has welcomed over 3 million visits, spanning household name performances, workshops and educational events.

The 21st anniversary “coming of age” exhibition will mark Artsdepot’s origins and “celebrate its unique cultural footprint” in the borough as a constant beacon that highlights the importance of “reaching for the arts” in times of societal uncertainty.

Artsdepot’s inception began at the Barnet 2000 conference that saw communities and leaders decide that the arts should be front and centre of the borough as it entered the new millennium.

The Tally-ho corner cultural landmark, which opened in 2004, has an atrium surrounded by three floors of accessible creative learning and performance spaces.

Today it continues to promise “world-class” shows and events brought to the doorsteps of locals. Its spaces include two theatres, a gallery, arts and education spaces, a free children’s soft play area and a dedicated research and development (R&D) space for artist residencies.

Taylor Wimpey, which built Artsdepot as London’s first public-private cultural development of its kind in 2004, marks the milestone as exhibition sponsor.

CEO and Director of Artsdepot, Monique Deletant, says: “Since Artsdepot opened in 2004, it’s been the cultural venue for Barnet, and our history has been resurfaced through the grant from The National Heritage Lottery Fund, showing the ongoing impact we make to our local and national communities.

“All this would not have been possible without original input from Taylor Wimpey in making a building that generates impact when our communities come through the doors, and all the thousands of supporters, artists and volunteers who have kept it going.

“The exterior takes its inspiration from the Art Deco Gaumont cinema. The distinctive internal spaces have made Artsdepot what it is today.

“It is a constant beacon for creativity that highlights the importance of reaching for the arts in times of societal uncertainty.”

In the year since receiving a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, volunteers have been gathering stories, recordings, artifacts and research, which Artsdepot is curating into an exhibition, showing its two-decade journey.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re proud to support Artsdepot’s 21st anniversary exhibition, which celebrates not only a landmark building but the rich cultural legacy it has created for Barnet’s community over two decades. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project is helping to preserve and share the stories that have made Artsdepot a vital part of Barnet’s cultural identity.”

Artsdepot was created through a unique public-private partnership between Barnet Council and developers Taylor Woodrow – now Taylor Wimpey, which returns to sponsor the exhibition. Taylor Wimpey is now active in North Finchley again with ‘The Tramworks’ development of 149 high-quality new homes, which is aimed at first-time buyers, families and downsizers.

Rozita Gharavi, Sales and Marketing Manager at Taylor Wimpey North Thames, said: “We’re delighted to continue our support of the Artsdepot with our sponsorship of its 21st anniversary exhibition. Our support is part of our ongoing commitment to putting back into the community surrounding our North Finchley development, The Tramworks, while also helping cultural venues such as this continue to thrive and provide a space for valuable local arts."

To find out more about Artsdepot’s 21st anniversary exhibition and programming, visit www.artsdepot.co.uk.