Wiggin Renews Pioneering Partnership with Roundhouse

THE Roundhouse has announced its renewed partnership with media, technology and IP law firm Wiggin LLP, advancing the iconic Camden venues’ capacity to support young people through the arts.

Having first started working together in 2021, Roundhouse and Wiggin’s synergistic pairing has propelled the organisation’s young creatives programmes to new levels. Back in May, the Roundhouse and Wiggin won a High Commendation in the Legal category at the Business Charity Awards for its pioneering partnership, which has now been renewed for another three years.

The partnership with Wiggin has significantly advanced the Roundhouse Film Fund, which enables emerging filmmakers to create short films exploring social and political issues from their unique perspectives. Since Wiggin became a Film Fund partner, the programme has been extending into providing deeper coaching and mentoring and supporting cohorts to enter and succeed in the global film festival circuit.

Together the Roundhouse and the global law firm have also developed the Wiggin Emerging Filmmakers Award, which offers one outstanding member of the Film Fund the chance to receive £10,000 to further progress their career.

Chioma Ejimofo, recipient of the Wiggin Emerging Filmmaker Award 2023 shared:

“The project was so special because of the mentoring and support we received. It felt daunting to do my first film, but with the guidance and support I received, I feel significantly more confident. The experience was incredibly collaborative and allowed me to meet lots of people in the industry. I can now confidently say I’m a director.”

Wiggin also supports creative freelancers and entrepreneurs, lending legal advice and mentoring to equip young people to enter and thrive in the creative industries. The firm’s specialisation in media, technology and IP is particularly befitting for broadcast and digital programmes; an area of Roundhouse’s outreach that has been proven to incur incredible impacts.

A social return on investment (SROI) study undertaken by Roundhouse and Social Change UK (published in April 2024) found the Roundhouse’s broadcast and digital programmes to be creating huge social and economic outcomes for young people. These projects were found to help young people gain transferable skills, such as public speaking and self-belief, as well as technical skills and industry connections proven invaluable in creative career journeys.

The outcomes show the huge social and economic impact creativity can have on the lives of young people. For every £1 invested in film and digital projects by the Roundhouse, £42.25 of value is created, which equates to £2,876,168 each year. For audio projects, for every £1 invested, £21.88 of social value is created, generating £889,648.

Michaela Greene, Roundhouse Partnerships and Impact Director, shared:

“Wiggin has been an integral partner of the Roundhouse since 2021. Through their passion and commitment, they have really made a positive impact on our Film Fund. We look forward to progressing our existing successes with Wiggin’s help to continue providing industry-relevant support for Roundhouse young creatives.”

Sarah MacDonald, Partner at Wiggin LLP echoes the sentiment:

“We’re lucky to be able to work with an organisation like the Roundhouse that shares our commitment to creativity, diversity and inclusion. There was a huge desire to continue our partnership together and to have an even greater impact. We look forward to contributing to the Roundhouse’s work in equipping young people to competently pursue careers in the creative industries.”

Renowned as a legendary venue, the Roundhouse delivers hundreds of creative projects and opportunities for over 9,000 young people each year. Covering music, media and performing arts, these opportunities offer affordable avenues for young individuals to harness their skills, gain practical experience, and pursue careers in the creative industries.

For further information please contact: eden.martin@roundhouse.org.uk.