TheBasement

Supporting the creation of outstanding new performance and the professional development of artists are at the heart of our mission. We provide dramaturgical support for artists making new work as well as providing development space, technical facilities, accommodation and office space.  The Basement is a vibrant, creative environment where performance practices collide leading to innovative new forms.

Delivered as part of The Basement’s East by South East project, our residencies programme provides artists from across the UK and beyond with development and rehearsal space in a focussed and critical context where they can develop their works and enrich their practice. East by South East is a 2-year Arts Council funded project designed to develop the infrastructure for the creation, presentation and touring of live art and contemporary performance practices in the East and South-East regions. It is a partnership with Colchester Arts Centre, The Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury; The Junction, Cambridge; PANeK, The Point, Eastleigh and The Showroom, Chichester.

The Basement has been supporting early- to mid-career artists for since 2004. During this time, over 200 artists and companies have benefited from facilities, professional development advice and opportunities. Our approach to working with artists has evolved in response to the changing needs of artists, the development of new practices and the organisations on-going research into opportunities available to artists.

The Basement’s Roddick Foundation commissions support the creation of outstanding and innovative new works by early career artists working in contemporary performance. Commissioned artists receive on-going dramaturgical support alongside professional mentoring from The Basement and leading artists working in contemporary performance. The commissions will support the making of new work from an early concept through to an accomplished tour-able show. The Basement will act as producer for the national and international touring of the work.