Work from Somerset House: The Home of Cultural Innovators

 

Somerset House is home to many of the brightest and most innovative artists, makers, freelancers and creative businesses in London, making it the unofficial HQ for the creative industries. We offer a multiplicity of work options from studios to shared workspaces to dedicated offices, plus indoor and outdoor breakout spaces, with an emphasis on flexibility.

Join us and you’ll become part of a dynamic, expansive and mutually supportive creative network. As we are a charity, you’ll also be supporting our mission of backing progress and nurturing creativity, with opportunities to contribute directly to positive action on diversity, inclusion and sustainability in our sector. Combine this with an inspiring location and the energy of a vibrant cultural programme and you have the perfect place for you and your work to be nourished and thrive.

WHAT YOU GET AS A RESIDENT OF SOMERSET HOUSE

BUSINESS SUPPORT →

'Tech businesses that could work from anywhere still prize the physical community on offer at Somerset House.' – Financial Times

Somerset House recognises that in order to grow and thrive, any professional creative individual or business needs a variety of support
 

  • Flexibility so your business can rapidly change size and shape
  • Networking as part of the largest creative community in the UK
  • Business focussed community events and training, and socials
  • Connections to other residents for creative and commercial opportunities
  • Profile on our website
  • Free access to Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling and advice on a wide range of work and personal issues for you or your employees) 
LOCATION →

 

  • A home in one of London’s architectural masterpieces, with outdoor courtyard (with fountains in summer!) and river terrace. From 2022 a major new pedestrian public space will open outside on the Strand
  • 4 public cafes & restaurants and 2 community-only cafés/bar (all discounted), plus terrace bar in summer 
  • Natural ventilation 
  • Strong commitment to sustainability
  • Excellent transport links, secure bike storage  
FACILITIES →

 

  • Wide variety of discounted meeting/project rooms, event spaces, recording/podcast studio, screening room, workshop spaces
  • Breakout spaces, refreshment points and informal areas
  • Reception to greet visitors  
  • Wifi throughout site and high-speed Internet 
  • 24/7 access & onsite security 
  • Postal service & printing facilities
  • Discounted memberships at local gym
  • Showers    
MAKE A DIFFERENCE →

‘If the last week represents a paradigm shift in climate-change awareness in the UK thanks to Extinction Rebellion, then its artistic heart in London is Somerset House, which is hosting an Earth Day season’ Evening Standard, April 2019

Somerset House is a charity so any surplus we generate goes back into the building and our cultural programme and key charitable objectives

  • We run a wide-ranging programme designed to tackle underrepresentation in the creative industries, a number of them in collaboration with some of our residents, and we're committed to stamping out inequality and racism.
  • We also aim through our cultural programme and activities to tackle other key issues of our time, such as climate change, often engaging residents in this work.   
CULTURE →

Somerset House is an arts centre, so residents are able to enjoy exhibitions and performances around the year, including our famous ice rink, summer gigs, films and major exhibitions and art fairs.

 

  • Free or reduced price entry and priority booking to Somerset House exhibitions and events
  • Out-of-hours exhibition previews with introductions from curators and artists
Here are some examples of our residents
Somerset House Studios
An experimental workspace connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences.
Contagion, photo by Jane Hobson
Shobana Jeyasingh Dance
Shobana Jeyasingh Dance is a contemporary dance company led by world-class artist Shobana Jeyasingh.
Makerversity
Makerversity
A workspace for professional makers with cutting edge workshops, born in 2013 with backing from Somerset House.
The Roots Yard (2015) Photo: Samantha Milligan. Image courtesy: Shambala Festival
Julie's Bicycle
Global charity bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and the creative industries.
Piñatex pineapple leaf LABO - J.Maentz 2017
Ananas Anam
Developers of Piñatex®, the innovative natural textile made from pineapple leaf fibre.

Somerset House is home to over 400 resident organisations