Published by Neil ThompsonVenue operators and experience creators Broadwick Group has announced the launch of its new charity 9.8, to operate its largest venue Drumsheds and spearhead community engagement across its portfolio.
Since opening Drumsheds in October 2023, 9.8 has given away 5,000 free event tickets to people who otherwise wouldn't take part as well as forging partnerships with charity and local organisations to provide space for free or at subsidised rates.
Elisa Chiodi, who heads up 9.8 explains: “Placemaking and bringing the community together in the areas surrounding our venues is one of our core objectives. We are passionate about making culture available to everyone. Through 9.8 we will work to remove barriers and provide resources for communities and charities to use our spaces, as well as make tickets available for individuals who wouldn’t otherwise have access for any reason. We’re proud to have reached the 5,000 ticket milestone, so now is the moment to tell the world that we want to invite people to collaborate and work together with us throughout London and beyond. By 2027 we aim to have worked with 100 charities, community groups and artists. So get in touch.”
The name 9.8 refers to the average gravitational pull of the Earth, 9.8 metres per second squared. We create centres of cultural gravity where people from all walks of life converge to experience the transformative power of music, art and culture. The charity puts accessibility at the heart of its work, engaging individuals regardless of their socio-economic status, geographic location, physical abilities, or access needs.
In May this year, we worked with Movember to host the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, gathering hundreds of motorcyclists to raise awareness of men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. Designed to create meaningful connections and cultural exchanges, the event, which took place at Drumsheds, was part of 959 events in 105 countries, which raised $52.6 million.
In July 2024, 9.8 worked with Hackney Flea Market to bring the popular event to Tottenham, creating the largest market of its kind in London. Designed to raise awareness of the area, the pop-up market featured the most eclectic flea and vintage traders from around the country, with a portion of each trader’s pitch fee being donated to 9.8. The event showcased the city’s vibrant flamboyance and inclusivity providing free access to community members.
During the Broadwick Live Autumn Winter 2024 season, 9.8 will collaborate with Broadwick Live and Aurora Orchestra to bring schools from the local boroughs down to Drumsheds to discover the world of orchestral music.
Elisa Chiodi will lead the charity's work to collaborate with individuals and organisations interested in utilising 9.8’s spaces to engage its [NS2] community programs. Anyone interested in working with 9.8 can head to the website and fill in an expression of interest, which will be reviewed by the charity trustees.
“Accessibility, openness and bringing people into these unusual spaces is a core part of the vision for Drumsheds and all our venues. We have always been part of our communities. 13,000 people accessed Printworks for free and 6,000 enjoyed Silverworks Island. We even had a community paper garden behind the Press Halls at Printworks. Establishing the charity now provides a more structured and fair process for even more individuals, charities and communities to engage with our venues and events. We benefit our local communities with far more than music. 9.8 is the vehicle that will amplify our social impact.”
Simeon Aldred, 9.8 Founder and Strategy Director of Broadwick
