Wiggin renews groundbreaking partnership with Roundhouse

The Roundhouse has announced the renewal of its partnership with Wiggin LLP, a leading media, technology and IP law firm. This collaboration will further advance the iconic Camden venue’s capacity to support young people through the arts.

Since beginning their collaboration in 2021, the Roundhouse and Wiggin have formed an alliance that has elevated the organisation’s young creatives programmes to new heights. In May 2024, the Roundhouse and Wiggin notably won a High Commendation in the Legal category at the Business Charity Awards. Now, the pioneering partnership has been renewed for another three years, promising continued success and impact.

The partnership with Wiggin has significantly advanced the Roundhouse Film Fund, empowering emerging filmmakers to create short films that explore social and political issues from their unique perspectives. Since Wiggin became a Film Fund partner, the programme has expanded to offer deeper coaching and mentoring, as well as support for cohorts to enter and succeed in the global film festival circuit.

Together the Roundhouse and Wiggin have also developed the Wiggin Emerging Filmmakers Award, which grants one outstanding member of the Film Fund £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, providing legal advice and mentoring to help young people enter and thrive in the creative industries. The firm’s specialisation in media, technology and IP is particularly beneficial for broadcast and digital programmes; an area of Roundhouse’s outreach that has demonstrated significant impact.

A social return on investment (“SROI”) study conducted by Roundhouse and Social Change UK, published in April 2024, revealed that the Roundhouse’s broadcast and digital programmes generate significant social and economic benefits for young people. These projects help participants develop transferable skills, such as public speaking and self-confidence, as well as technical skills and industry connections that are invaluable for careers in the creative sector.

The financial outcomes also demonstrate the substantial social and economic impact that 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, equating to £2,876,168 annually. For audio projects, every £1 invested generates £21.88 of social value, amounting to £889,648.

Michaela Greene, Roundhouse Partnerships and Impact Director, shares: “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 delighted 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, enabling young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to 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.