Free Word to leave its London home

Arts producer Free Word has to move out of its mutli-purpose London venue at the end of May.

The building is being sold by its leaseholders, a move that will also affect tenants Reporters Without Borders, English PEN, The Literary Consultancy, ARTICLE 19, Arvon and The Reading Agency.

Free Word brings together writers, artists and activists to spark critical conversations about society.It is based in the former newsroom and archive building of The Guardian newspaper.

The income generated from leasing office and event space within the venue has supported Free Word’s artistic programming and management costs until now.

Free Word plans to continue its work through digital and non-venue based content, which has been the focus of its work during the pandemic. It is in conversation with its 11 permanent staff.