Can you support Open City?

It has been six months since Covid-19 hit the UK. While many cultural organisations were forced to go into hibernation, Open City threw itself at a single mission: finding ways to keep London open and accessible in a time of nationwide lockdowns.

We’re very proud of what we've accomplished over the last half year despite extremely challenging circumstances. Since lockdown being, Open City has created a remarkably rich programme of events, tours, films, podcasts, books, model and not least the 2020 Open House Festival.

None of this would be been possible without the Open House Friends, individuals who believe in the cause of a more accessible, equitable and open city, and make small monthly donations to support our work.

If you have valued our work this year and want to help the charity a second wave of restrictions once again hits our funding and events, please act now to become an Open House Friend.

For just £1.25 a week you can help us to weather the next phase of the pandemic, produce engaging, propositional work about the future of London and help create a truly open city.

(We’ve made some great rewards for everyone who signs up too!)

Thank you

Open_House_2020_Hackney School of Food_Luke O'Donovan.jpg — Please donate £1.25 a week to support the work of Open City

Click here to sign up

Here’s what we’ve accomplished during the pandemic. Can you help us to continue our work?

The Open House Festival mixed hundreds of tours, events and workshops all over London

We’ve made 31 films opening up buildings and landscapes across the city.

We published the Alternative Guide to the London Boroughs – a print version of the Open House festival. — We published the Alternative Guide to the London Boroughs – a print version of the Open House festival.

We made a series of 16 model kits of iconic London buildings to make at home.

We’ve created over 60 free design-led activities for children and families to download online.

We’ve relaunched Accelerate, the only architecture course for teenagers from under-represented backgrounds.

FAQ

Why do we need donations?

Open City doesn’t receive government grants or statutory funding. Nor does it receive Arts Council or Heritage Lottery money. We have a small staff team supported by tireless volunteers but rely on donations from our community and income from events to support our work.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes. Open City is a charity so all donations that support our work are tax-deductible. This means if you donate to Open City you can lower your tax bill.

What do I get in return for becoming an Open House Friend?

We’ve made some gifts to say thank you to everyone who signs up as a Friend. These are listed below. In addition, all Open House Friends get a discount in our online shop and discounts on subscriptions to The Architectural Review magazine. We’ll also be launching a programme of free Open House Friends-only events throughout the year as soon as restrictions permit.

Can you go the extra mile?

Every donation helps us, but if you can afford to contribute a little bit more it’ll make a huge difference. We’re happy to offer additional rewards for Open House Friends who sign up at the following levels.