Who We Are…

  • Bath Laboratory of Culture (BLOC) is an independent Community Interest Company creating a permanent home for culture, creativity and community in Bath.

    We exist because independent cultural spaces matter. They are where new bands play their first shows, artists test new ideas, communities gather, conversations begin and unexpected collaborations happen. They are places that shape a city's identity.

    Across the UK, these spaces are disappearing. We believe Bath deserves better.

    BLOC was created to protect, develop and champion independent culture by giving it the space, support and stability it needs to thrive.

    Our mission is simple: to make culture more accessible, more collaborative and more deeply connected to the people who live here.

  • A laboratory is a place for curiosity, experimentation and discovery.

    We believe culture should work the same way.

    BLOC is a place to test ideas, try something new, take creative risks and learn together. Whether you're an artist developing new work, a musician playing your first gig, a community group meeting for the first time or someone simply looking for connection, you're welcome here.

    We don't believe culture should be finished before people experience it. We believe it grows through participation.

  • Burdall's Yard has been part of Bath's cultural story for many years.

    Today it is becoming something more: a year-round cultural hub where live music, theatre, exhibitions, talks, workshops, creative businesses, community organisations and everyday social life exist side by side.

    It's a venue, but it's also a workplace, a meeting place, a garden, a rehearsal room and a place to experiment.

    BLOC is a place to take risks and learn from them.

  • Culture belongs to everyone.

    We believe creativity should be accessible, not exclusive.

    We believe independent venues make cities healthier, more resilient and more interesting.

    We believe artists deserve spaces where they can experiment.

    We believe communities become stronger when they have places to gather.

    We believe every city should have spaces that prioritise public value alongside financial sustainability.

  • As a Community Interest Company (CIC), our purpose is public benefit.

    Every ticket bought, drink ordered, room hired, membership purchased and donation made helps sustain BLOC and is reinvested into our building, our programme and our community.

    We're building an organisation that balances commercial thinking with cultural purpose—one that supports artists, welcomes audiences, nurtures local partnerships and remains accessible for future generations.

  • Experiment

    We encourage curiosity, creativity and new ideas. Not everything has to be perfect to be worth trying.

    Welcome

    Everyone should feel they belong, regardless of background, experience or circumstance.

    Collaborate

    The best ideas are built together. We work with artists, communities, businesses, educators and organisations to create lasting impact.

    Sustain

    We think long term—financially, environmentally and socially—so that culture can flourish for years to come.

    Belong

    BLOC exists because of the people who use it. This is a shared space where everyone has a role in shaping what happens next.

  • Bath Laboratory of Culture isn't just a venue.

    It's a growing community of artists, audiences, neighbours, volunteers, businesses and supporters working together to create the kind of city we want to live in.

    Whether you come to a gig, host an event, hire a room, become a member, volunteer your time or make a donation, you're helping build a stronger cultural future for Bath.

    This is your cultural home.

    Let's build it together.