The BFI holds the world’s largest film & moving image archive, containing over 1 million artefacts, many of which are unique. 360° Cityshapers have been supporting the BFI since 2015, including on its ambition to create a new International Centre for Film & Moving Image for the UK in a new £130m development on a prominent site on Southbank in central London, designed by a team led by renowned German architectural firm Ole Scheeren.
The new Centre would augment the UK’s global reputation for creativity and achievement in film, TV and moving image, by 1) providing a hub for filmmakers, artists and industry professionals to meet, exchange ideas, showcase their work and develop skills; 2) enabling visitors the opportunity to interact with the BFI’s unique 1m artefact archive; and 3) providing learning opportunities for all age-groups, both on- and off-site, using the latest digital technologies, in the arts of film-making, production, preservation and restoration.
A major private investor was secured, and proposals submitted to trusts & foundations, including a Major Project submission to the UK Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The support of the Mayor of London and leading high profile figures in acting and the film industry was also secured.
In spring 2018 the Department for Culture Media & SPort (DCMS) and the BFI announced that the Southbank initiative was no longer being pursued [1]. 360° Cityshapers remain on hand to advise the BFI on alternative options and opportunities to fulfil their aspirations.
