London’s International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) has announced a new and exciting chapter in its 45-year history. Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) will officially take the lead in shaping the future of the world-renowned festival, following an open call process that invited proposals from across the arts sector.
Since its founding in 1981 by Rose Fenton and Lucy Neal, LIFT has become one of London’s most distinctive cultural celebrations. Known for its bold, international programming and its commitment to redefining what theatre can be, LIFT has brought extraordinary stories and performances from around the world to the capital. From site-specific shows to city-wide collaborations, it has consistently challenged traditional boundaries and championed global perspectives.
Robin Saphra, Interim Chair of the LIFT Board, shared:
“We received an overwhelmingly encouraging set of proposals via our open call process. From over 35 proposals, BAC’s vision and leadership stood out in terms of their ideas for our future together and their insight into the challenges facing the UK’s cultural landscape.”
Claudia Kenyatta, Chair of the BAC Board, added:
“For us, LIFT has always been one of London’s most essential cultural moments - bringing together visionary artists from across the globe. We are delighted to be tasked with leading this next exciting chapter of LIFT’s history.”
LIFT and BAC are expected to finalise the details of their partnership by December 2025, with the next festival due to take place in 2027.
This collaboration marks an inspiring move forward for London theatre lovers, promising more innovative performances, global stories, and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the power of live performance.
photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
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