Airbnb announced as headline partner for Open House Festival 2023
Airbnb has partnered with Open House Festival, offering headline sponsorship of the event, to celebrate and open up some of the Capital’s most architecturally impressive buildings and to help achieve this year's festival aims.
The partnership reflects the synergies between the Open House Festival and Airbnb. Both organisations appreciate that London is a city best shared, working to open up homes, and in the process helping people to share great spaces, design and stories. Airbnb Hosts and Open House Contributors have shared experiences, understanding the joys and rewards of welcoming visitors into their homes.
Open City is delighted that Airbnb has chosen to support London’s Open House Festival as our new Headline Partner. Come September, their sponsorship will enable tens of thousands more to explore special buildings and neighbourhoods across the capital for free.
For three decades we have staged the Open House Festival on the idea that London’s heritage and architecture are best when shared. We believe that when people of all backgrounds are able to visit and learn about places they cannot normally access, we can break down barriers, fostering pride and understanding across communities.
This partnership will enable the 2023 Open House Festival to be the most accessible ever with new programmes for young people from under-represented communities building on the success of our charity's pioneering educational work, and additional support for the remarkable communities and organisations that open up their homes and workplaces every year.
Founded on the joy of hosting guests in spare rooms, Airbnb have built their business around the principle that welcoming a visitor to stay in your home can be a mutually enriching opportunity. We are thrilled that they have now chosen to support the Open House Festival's mission of making London more open and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Open House Festival have a headline partner?
Having a headline partner means the festival is free for all Open House contributors and visitors. This is key in ensuring the festival is as open, equitable and accessible as possible. The sponsorship allows the Open House Festival to achieve these aims and without this support, the festival would not be possible as a free and open event to all.
Why has Open House chosen to work with Airbnb?
The partnership reflects the clear synergy between the Open House Festival and Airbnb. Both organisations appreciate that London is a city best shared and are working to open up homes — and in the process help people to share great spaces, design, and stories.
Further to this, sharing of domestic architecture was drastically impacted during the pandemic; therefore Open House sought to have a partner that connects to and celebrates sharing homes, London communities, and domestic architecture in all its forms.
What role will Airbnb play?
Airbnb is providing sponsorship for the Open House Festival. All communications and aims for the festival will still come directly from Open House. The festival programme, urban walks and tours will not be changed by Airbnb’s involvement or sponsorship. Airbnb is supporting the work of the Open House Festival to make every corner of London more open, accessible and equitable, and to help showcase the fantastic quality and design the city has to offer. In turn, the festival can remain a free and accessible event across London.
What difference will this make to me?
The key benefit is that this sponsorship ensures that the Open House festival will remain free and open to all visitors and contributors. This Airbnb partnership will not directly impact contributors, visitors, volunteers, or the festival programme. Airbnb does not have access to your data. You are at no point signing up to be an Airbnb host or guest through any involvement with Open House Festival.
Does this mean I have to host overnight stays during the festival?
No, absolutely not. However, if you enjoy the experience of opening up your home to visitors during the festival, you can find out more about hosting with Airbnb here.