Leïla Davaud on the North Finchley arts centre marking its 21st anniversary with a party as lively as the venue itself

artsdepot, North Finchley — Photo: Philafrenzy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

First opened in 2004, the cultural hub that is Artsdepot is now a landmark in Barnet. Over the last two decades it has welcomed more than three million visits, staged world-class performances, and provided a space where creativity has thrived.

For CEO and Director Monique Deletant, the centre’s 21st birthday party last month was a moment to reflect on what the structure represents. She said: “Since opening, Artsdepot has been a constant beacon for creativity in Barnet. It has shaped lives and shown us how important it is to keep reaching for the arts, especially in uncertain times.”

Community has indeed always been at the heart of the building. Most of the space is dedicated to the people of the borough. With two theatres, a gallery, dance and drama studios, artists’ residencies, and even a free soft play area for children, Artsdepot has become a space where creativity is accessible to everyone.

In the 2023-2024 season alone, more than 170,000 people visited to take part in workshops, attend shows, or simply use its public spaces. Sharon Broughall, CEO of Barnet Education Arts Trust, summed it up: “The key word for Artsdepot is opportunity, it makes memories for kids and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.”

Artists echo the sentiment. Elisa, a local creative, called it “the biggest artistic hub in North London, it’s sensational”. That role was cemented not only through its daily activities but also at historic moments, such as its involvement in the 2012 London Olympic Games, when Artsdepot organised performances that placed Barnet’s cultural life on a global stage.

Support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has ensured that this legacy is now preserved. “We’re proud to support Artsdepot’s 21st anniversary exhibition, which celebrates not only a landmark building but the rich cultural legacy it has created for Barnet’s community over two decades. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project is helping to preserve and share the stories that have made Artsdepot a vital part of Barnet’s cultural identity,” said Stuart McLeod, director of England, London & South at the fund. Taylor Wimpey, too, returned as a sponsor, two decades after helping to create the building.

As Artsdepot looks ahead, its mission remains the same: to connect, inspire, and create. The 21st anniversary wasn’t just a celebration but a reminder that when a community invests in arts, it invests in itself. As Claire, parent of a young singer puts it while leaving the party:”There is nothing like knowing that my kid has this place to escape to. Where she has the freedom to be herself!”

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