Join Build Studios for an exploration of how access, ownership, and planning decisions shape the future of London’s cultural venues and spaces.

Where did all the cultural spaces go?

Alternative Practice invites students and young workers to discuss the cultural venues and spaces that shape our city.

London’s cultural scene is vast and regarded as one of the greatest globally, yet many of its most vital grassroots and community venues are under threat.

Culture in Place looks at the power structures behind cultural spaces: the policies, property dynamics, and hierarchies that determine which venues survive, who controls them, and how communities can (or can’t) claim space.

What will we discuss?

• Unstable or short‑term leases
• Rapidly rising commercial rents
• Planning decisions that favour redevelopment over cultural continuity
• Landlord‑tenant power imbalances

Join us at 1901 Arts Club in Waterloo for good food, good drinks and great discussions.

Speakers include:

• Sophie Asquith, Venue Support Manager – Music Venue Trust
• Amy Taylor, Business Development Director – Raw Material

Alternative Practice is a community of students and young workers interested in challenging the boundaries of built environment discipline. We want to provide a platform that welcomes half formed thoughts, ideas and feelings that celebrates the voices of young people.