Where we came from

In 1975 Framework started as a series of collaborative projects across art forms, mainly the performing arts initiated at the Central School of Art and Design which is now part of The London Institute. The collaborations included work with Glasgow Citizens Theatre, Hochschule der Kunst Berlin, Ellen Stewart’s La MaMa Experimental Theatre Company, New York & The Holland Festival.

In 1982 1st Framework became independent producing collaborative work across art forms – that were, according to Time Out, ‘intriguing, ambitious, spectacular and bizarre’. Providing high quality resources to facilitate innovative work was the founding principle. Resources were provided in the form of partnerships and commissions from individuals and organisations including The Royal Opera, Salzburg Festival, BBC, United Artists, Conran Design, Mark Fisher & Jonathon Park (Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd tours), Tim Roth, Greenpeace.

 In 1986 a charity was established. It retained its ‘empty studio’ philosophy assembling new teams, spaces and schedules on each occasion to support & develop new projects that fall outside conventional charity funding criteria. It is respected for its cross art form work performed in un-conventional surroundings staged by a rich variety of partner organizations and arts practitioners. This work has been selected to represent the UK by the British Council in Sydney, Australia and New York.

In recent years it has won several awards for its radical, ambitious, non-compromising creative work with older people (now exemplified by the highly regarded 3rdthought theatre company) including 1st Prize European Year of Lifelong Learning and 1st Prize Londoners of the Year Community Development.

Where we are now.

In 2015 1st Framework’s programme of activities continue to be housed inside the empty studio, but it’s now more akin to a safe ‘Harbour’. It provides advice surgeries, workshops and support for pilot research & development projects.

During their stay in the ‘Harbour’  projects are developed which bring together diverse teams of individuals and organisations to achieve common goals.

Recent  ‘Harbour’ projects include shared affordable office space supported by  Peabody Trust and Wallis Kier in an initiative to provide affordable workspace for 11 small arts education organisations alongside Tate Modern, London.