Our impact
With your support we’re fostering creativity and changing people’s lives for the better
The Southbank Centre is more than just an arts venue, we’re an engine of creativity where culture is made and artists thrive.
‘London’s other crown jewel… the Southbank Centre has become the cultural heart of the city’
The New York Times
Highlights
of a year in the life of the Southbank Centre
3.1mvisitors to the Southbank Centre
420,000
visitors at Hayward Touring exhibitions
5,406
events and performances
55%of events were free
4,800school children visited us
761,000tickets purchased
All data from the 2022/23 financial year – read our annual report
An engine of creativity
We invest in growing the skills and creative careers of emerging talent – especially from backgrounds that have historically been locked out of the arts.
77 artistsjoined Reframe: the Residency, our partnership with Apple to empower the next generation of Black creatives
15 photographersexhibiting their work as part of Photo-Fantastic, a course for young Black and dual-heritage photographers
9 music professionalslaunched a new record label as part of our Emerging Music Professionals programme
Reframe: the Residency
How our flagship programme changed lives in its inaugural year.
Unlocking creativity
We believe all children and young people should be able to explore their creativity in and out of the classroom.
Young people are always welcome at the Southbank Centre. Our vibrant family programme included 80+ free events in 2022/23.
1,947 childrenpublished their own book with our Imagine a Story project
305 school groups visited us in-person
17,000 ticketspurchased for Imagine Children’s Festival
Reframe: Inspire Schools
Putting creative careers in students’ sights, in partnership with Apple.
Improving wellbeing
Creativity is vital to everyone’s wellbeing and our work ensures that people living with long-term health conditions don’t miss out.
We offer year-round projects and events which nourish comfort, connection and creativity in our communities.
220 attendeesfor Skylark Cafe events for vulnerable adults
40,000 free creative activity booklets distributed as part of Art by Post
600 artworks created by Art by Post participants
Art by Post
Our award-winning Art by Post initiative gave thousands of people nationwide a creative outlet.
A welcoming space for all
We’re dedicated to making art accessible to all by welcoming diverse voices and audiences.
Our commitment includes a range of free events every year, as well as offering concessions for people living locally.
13%
of our audiences are Black, Asian or from ethnically diverse backgrounds
12%
of our audiences are residents of Lambeth or Southwark
27%
first-time attendees at the opening of the 2023/24 classical season
How we work
The values we hold dearest are best encapsulated in our colleagues.
Environmentally responsible
We recognise the urgency of climate crisis and the role we can play in fighting it.
We’re committed to becoming a net zero organisation, and have set clear targets to reach that goal.
50%reduction in building carbon emissions by 2025
80%
recycling rate by 2025
10%biodiversity net gain across our spaces by 2030
Environmental Sustainability
See the steps we intend to take on our journey to net zero.
Support our work
Without the support of generous individuals and organisations, our work would not be possible. Thank you for the contributions which enable us to continue.
But we could always do more – if you’d like to help, we’d love to hear from you.
Annual reviews & accounts
For information about, and access to, earlier reports, please get in touch.