Dalston’s Arcola Theatre aims to become carbon neutral following an ambitious plan to install biomass heating, solar panels, fuel cells and state of the art energy saving technologies throughout the building.
In tandem with these developments, Arcola also plans the world’s first new energy technology 'incubator' within an arts venue; a dedicated work space where scientists and engineers can develop new initiatives to tackle climate change.
The theatre says it aims to marry artistic, entrepreneurial and technological creativity under one roof, providing a hub for new thinking and opening the door to cross-fertilisation between the arts and the sciences.
Titled 'Arcola Energy' this initiative represents a third strand to Arcola’s work, alongside the Professional Theatre programme and the Youth & Community Theatre programme. In keeping with Arcola’s approach to theatre, science professionals will be integrated with the local community so that knowledge is disseminated as widely as possible.
Arcola Energy is led by Arcola’s Executive Director, Dr Ben Todd, who spent many years researching clean energy technologies at Cambridge University Engineering Department.
Partners include advisors to government, industry and the arts as well as award winning new energy companies.
The launch event on 20th July saw both Stage Electrics and White Light supplying a range of LED lighting, truss, control and sound equipment for what is believed to be the world's first performance powered solely by a fuel cell.
Picture shows Clara and the Real Lowdown performing at the launch of Arcola Energy
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