Commercial event activity underpins Somerset House cultural programme

Somerset House generated over £2 million through its commercial events activity last year.

All of these funds were invested back into supporting the upkeep of the historic site for over 3 million visitors to enjoy annually; as well as its diverse programme exploring contemporary culture.

Commercial events activity is essential to Somerset House Trust, as an independent self-sustaining charity, receiving no regular public funding.

Somerset House Trust’s recently released Impact Report for 2018/2019 details how commercial event activity has helped to enable Somerset House to:

·       Present 33 exhibitions, 26 of which could be enjoyed for free.

·       Support over 800 young people through its Creative Careers Programme, including launching the Creative Careers Academy work placement initiative.

·       Support 73 artists and their teams of 177 people as part of Somerset House Studios, providing subsidised studio space and support to devise and develop new work.

·       Welcome over 4,000 people for Somerset House tours.

Luci Sorrell, Business Development Manager at Somerset House, said: “Our event organisers are often asked to find tangible details of what they are giving back to society and the wider world in terms of corporate social responsibility.  Somerset House is home to the UK’s largest and most exciting creative community, offering a unique combination of compelling and accessible public events, enterprise and artistic practise.  Organisers hosting their events here can be confident that their events are directly supporting an organisation offering immense value to an audience that goes far beyond just the attendees at a commercial event.”