LIFT is London’s international biennial festival, bringing international theatre to venues, spaces, hidden locations and iconic landmarks all over London every two years.
LIFT stands for radical empowerment and inclusion. We promote the power and urgency of international perspectives, understanding that difference makes us stronger. The theatre we present is compelling, meaningful, provocative, excellent, topical, singular; we advance contemporary thought, introduce new forms, ideas and ways of experiencing art. We start necessary conversations and provide essential cultural experiences.
Dedicated to daring and relevant culture and international perspectives, LIFT celebrates the world in London and London in the world. We present a festival which connects London audiences with leading international artists, brave ideas and unforgettable cultural experiences. We bring audiences to the city’s most iconic venues, landmarks and unusual corners, celebrating the character of London and calling Londoners to gather for incredible art.
We engage and create communities around international theatre artists and live art practitioners. Right now, that manifests as LIFT Tottenham, a five-year collaboration between LIFT, international artists and Tottenham locals creating festival works, artistic experiences, offering opportunities for learning and skill development and connecting Tottenham’s cultural offer to the rest of the city and beyond. A charity limited by guarantee and based in Toynbee Studios in East London, LIFT is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation with a biennial turnover in the region of £2 million.