What do we know about London's cultural infrastructure?

Dance performance and rehearsal infrastructure

The Case for Dance Infrastructure was the first ever research study of publicly bookable dance performance and rehearsal spaces across London.

It found that there were 335 buildings used for dance rehearsal and performance in London in 2019. Of those spaces, only 78 were used primarily for dance. For the remaining 257 buildings dance was a secondary function with rehearsal spaces in schools, arts centres or commercial spaces.

Artists' workspace

The 2018 Artists Workspace data note showed that there were 239 artists workspace sites in London. The report found that sites remained vulnerable with 17 per cent ‘at risk’ of closure in the next five years.

The 2018 Artists Workspace data note updated the landmark 2014 research on the subject.

LGBTQ+ nightlife venues

In 2017 UCL Urban Laboratory published research in partnership with the Mayor of London looking at LGBTQ+ nightlife venues in London from 1986.

We reviewed this data in 2018 and 2019. Research showed that the sector was vulnerable having seen a decline of 62 per cent of venues since 2006. In 2018 there were 51 venues in London and the number remained stable in 2019 for the first time in a decade.

Pubs

The 2018 pubs annual data note was produced using information from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the inter-departmental business register (IDBR). The research showed that London had lost over a quarter of its pubs since 2001. This amounts to 60 pubs in 2015-16 (1.6 per cent fall) and 85 pubs in 2016-17 (2.4 per cent fall) - more than one a week.

Grassroots Music Venues

Grassroots music venues have been mapped since 2016. In 2017 and 2018 there were 94 venues and in 2019 we saw a small growth to 99 venues. Prior to this the sector had lost 35 per cent of venues since 2006.

In 2016 the economic impact of the existing grassroots music venues was also measured.