Barnet’s Artsdepot Celebrates Two Decades of Community Arts Provision

A cultural center in Barnet is commemorating two decades of delivering artistic experiences to its local community. Artsdepot, located in North Finchley, north London, describes itself as a “creative home for everyone,” offering performances for both children and adults throughout the holiday period and the entire year. Despite navigating challenges such as the Coronavirus pandemic, increases in energy prices, and the cost-of-living crisis, the organization expresses optimism regarding its future prospects. Monique Delatant, CEO of Artsdepot, attributes their continued operation to understanding their audience and consistently “making something for everyone.” Within one of Artsdepot’s auditoriums, an adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo’s Child is being performed, also commemorating a 20-year milestone. The venue is filled with attendees including school and nursery groups, young families, and other local residents, all engaging by singing and dancing. Actor Hannah Mullen commented: “You get to relate to the audience – they’re so close and they’re so willing to participate. I really enjoy having that relationship with the audience and what they give you.” Mullen stated that these smaller theatrical venues are vital for emerging actors to establish their careers. She added: “They take a chance on more emerging talent, emerging shows.” This production, created by Tall Stories, premiered at this location and is scheduled to tour the US in the spring. A different performance is currently being presented in Artsdepot’s smaller auditorium. Titled The Fir Tree, this show integrates music and puppetry to recount the Hans Christian Anderson story. Director Eva Sampson remarked: “It’s not easy making new work. You need people saying, ‘yes’… and ‘how can we help’? This building really does that. And the way they welcome an audience is really special.” Having just presented their inaugural performance, writer Teresa Burns observed from the back row. Burns shared an anecdote: “A grandma turned to me, with her little grandson and said: ‘He loved it – but I really loved it.’ Actually, you’re catering for everyone and if you do that then it’s tick, tick, tick.” Artsdepot’s offerings extend beyond theatrical productions; The Department of Winter provides a dedicated Christmas space for children to engage in games and crafting activities. Plans are in place to modernize Artsdepot’s facilities next year, concurrently with maintaining an attractive program for the community. Monique stated: “Twenty years is an amazing moment, considering we were born the same year as Facebook started. Yet that passion that people have, to come and visit local art spaces, is still there.” The organization also intends to persist in providing an alternative to West End entertainment. Delatant further commented: “We’re extremely proud of all that creative work that goes on there, but actually for those who can’t get there, who can’t afford it – we have tickets that start at £12 and we also have a lot of free activity. We really pride ourselves on knowing our audience and making something for everyone.”