Come October, the nation will see a unique and remarkable communal celebration of arts, culture and sciences.
Fun Palaces, on the weekend of 4 and 5 October, will involve a wide range of events taking place in arts centres, museums, marquees, school halls, parks and high streets.
Realised for the centenary of the birth of theatre and cultural innovator Joan Littlewood, the idea of the Fun Palace was part of her vision created with Cedric Price for spaces linking arts and sciences, entertainment and education; it formed part of their campaign for culture at the heart of a community.
The concept behind the Fun Palace was that they be free, local, innovative, transformative and engaging, allowing people to actively participate as well as to observe.
Presented by Deptford–based arts centre the Albany and Fun Palaces, the initiative is led by its co-directors, freelance producer Sarah-Jane Rawlings and theatre practitioner Stella Duffy.
Funding of £196,470 has been awarded to the event from the National Lottery through Arts Council England's Exceptional awards programme which supports exceptional projects.
The scale of the project is vast with more than 80 Pop Up Fun Palaces across the country, online and overseas; amongst the companies already signed up are Theatre Royal Stratford East, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Turner Contemporary in Margate, Gladstone's Library York Cocoa House, and a Canadian radio station.
Visit Fun Palaces and The Albany for further information.