BLINK Dance Theatre find new home thanks to Peabody and Battersea Power Station

The four BLINK co-directors posing, dressed in bright pink. From left to right: Francis Majekodunmi, Rachel Gildea, Delson Weekes, Vicki Hawkins. Photo Credit: Roswitha Chesher.

We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our bid to become Cultural Anchor Tenants at ‘Space 52’; a space at New Mansion Square which will act as our home base and the centre of our outreach and engagement programmes from early 2024.

New Mansion Square is a new housing scheme delivered in partnership with Peabody and Battersea Power Station, in the heart of Nine Elms. As part of the offer, we have signed a peppercorn lease, guaranteeing a rent free home for the next ten years. In addition, we will receive a £125,000 grant paid over the next five years to support the programmes we will be running from our new base.

Vicki Hawkins, BLINK Dance Theatre Co-Director, said:

“BLINK Dance Theatre are delighted to be making a home in Nine Elms as Cultural Tenants at Space 52. We cannot wait to continue our work with the local community to bring accessible arts and culture activities to the area, as part of our radical belief that a society without barriers is better for all.”

We cannot wait to move into Space 52 later this year and start to work with the local community and residents to build a diverse and inclusive cultural offer. Watch this space to find out what we have planned!

Adriana Marques, Head of Cultural Strategy at Peabody said:

“Huge congratulations to BLINK who’ll bring creativity and inspiration to this exciting new community.

“Our dedicated support, grant, and rent-free offer will give the team a permanent place to call home and the freedom to flourish in an environment of like-minded people.

“Successful and sustainable places need a variety of ingredients to make them work, including cultural and creative activities. BLINK’s unique cultural offer, and their bold vision to create diverse and inclusive environments, aligns with Peabody’s vision to create great places. We wish them well as they settle into their new home.” 

Sarah Banham, Head of Community and Sustainability at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said:

“We are delighted to welcome BLINK to New Mansion Square at Battersea Power Station, bringing an exciting and new creative organisation to our neighbourhood. Championing and encouraging art and culture is a crucial element in creating a vibrant town centre, and it is especially important at Battersea Power Station, which is a landmark that has inspired creatives for decades. We are proud to have worked with Peabody to deliver Space 52, alongside a number of other affordable workspaces at New Mansion Square.”

Kemi Akinola, Wandsworth Council Deputy Leader, said:

“We are pleased to announce that BLINK Dance Theatre are bringing their pioneering approach to Wandsworth and would like to welcome the theatre team to our borough. It was a privilege to be part of the panel making this decision as it signals real change towards a fairer and more inclusive local arts sector.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor of Culture and the Creative Industries, said:

“Culture is in our DNA. It brings communities together and it’s vital that London’s creative opportunities are open and accessible to all. BLINK does fantastic work offering innovative and accessible dance and theatre, and it is great news they now have a permanent new home at Battersea Power Station. This support will give local artists and performers the opportunity to thrive as we continue working towards a fairer and better London for everyone.”