LIFT is London’s international biennial festival of theatre. The theatre we offer audiences is compelling, meaningful, provocative, excellent, topical, singular. We advance contemporary thought, introduce new forms and ideas and offer new ways of experiencing art. Every two years, LIFT presents a festival full of daring and relevant culture, international perspectives and unforgettable theatre. Whether it’s a much-loved venue, iconic landmark or unsung corner of London, LIFT gathers Londoners around incredible art. We want our audiences to feel more London and more global every time they encounter LIFT.

LIFT creates contexts where artists make transformative culture happen, as a commissioner, presenter and connector. LIFT is the essential link between leading international artists and London and the UK. We connect British makers abroad. We offer essential supports that give UK artists working abroad momentum and connections. The partnerships we create advance artists and their projects.

We engage and create communities around ideas and projects that are locally and internationally relevant. We connect leading artists to locals and together we make incredible art happen. Our reach and impact are local, national and international, we co-commission and tour projects in with an array of UK and global partners. We create and nurture communities and celebrate London as a place where the local and international meet.

LIFT stands for radical empowerment and inclusion. We promote the power and urgency of international perspectives, understanding that difference makes us stronger. LIFT is where artists and audiences meet for necessary conversations and essential cultural experiences.