WELCOME
Free Word is an arts organisation focused on the power and politics of words. We are also a home for organisations interested in who gets to speak and be heard in society.
In our distinctive building in London’s Clerkenwell, we host dynamic cultural events that address urgent contemporary issues.
We place an emphasis on fresh perspectives from voices that are often underrepresented, and bring together a rich variety of exciting writers, artists and activists to spark critical conversations about society, culture and politics.
PEOPLE
STAFF
BOARD
PATRONS
ADVISORS
VISION, MISSION, VALUES
Vision
A world in which all kinds of people can express themselves openly and influence society.
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: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially something creative; a sudden brilliant or timely idea
- Bravery: courageous behaviour or character
- Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
At Free Word we have strong connections to Norway through the freedom of expression charity Fritt Ord, and Norwegian values of Welcome, Equality and Freedom sit alongside our own values at 60 Farringdon Road.
HISTORY
Free Word was conceived as a venue and home for the literature and freedom of expression sectors by Ursula Owen, co-founder of Virago Press. We opened in September 2009 supported by the Norwegian freedom of expression charity, Fritt Ord, and Arts Council England.
Apples & Snakes, Article 19, Arvon, Book Trust, English PEN, Index on Censorship, The Literary Consultancy and The Reading Agency became founding residents and collaborators at a time when they felt words had never been more important ‘for identity, for imagination, for communication, for combating censorship, and for negotiating power in a globalized world’. All remain part of the Free Word community today. Reporters Without Borders joined as a resident organisation in 2018.
Free Word was previously led by Shreela Ghosh (2009 – 2011) and Rose Fenton (2011 – 2016).
Roma Backhouse became Director in September 2016.
VACANCIES
We regularly post vacancies for roles at Free Word and with our community of Residents and Associates.
At Free Word, it’s really important to us that a diverse range of ideas, opinions and perspectives influence and shape our work. We do all we can to promote equality of opportunity, encourage representation, and eliminate discrimination.
We’re keen to encourage applications from people of colour, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.
You can view our Applicant Privacy Policy here.
BUILDING
60 Farringdon Road has been through many creative transformations since it was built as a wheelwright’s workshop in 1875. It has been a music education and film-making studios and The Guardian’s archive, education and exhibition centre before the Norwegian freedom of expression charity Fritt Ord bought the building and it became Free Word’s home in 2009.
Our location in central Clerkenwell is brimming with a history rich in literature, dissent and social progress. Writers and activists including Dickens and Marx have long been associated with the area, bookstalls lined Farringdon Road from the 1870s to the 1990s, the first social housing was located nearby, and local basements still hold the remnants of printing presses.
Today, our spaces are flexible and welcoming, with capacity for up to 200 people, creating a wonderful environment for intimate events and performances. We take pride in running our venue sustainably.
All our spaces are available to hire.
GREEN
We pride ourselves on running environmentally friendly events, and are one of Arts Council England’s sector leaders in environmental sustainability.
- We use 100% renewable energy from Good Energy.
- We monitor our energy usage, CO2 emissions, business travel and recycling rates to measure our progress and improve on these figures.
- Around 70% of our waste is recycled; we use zero-to-landfill contractors.
- We use suppliers with an environmental accreditation of ISO 14001 or higher where possible.
- Most of our event space furniture is made from recycled materials.
- We encourage visitors and those who work here to walk, cycle, or take public transport to reach us.