For more than 25 years, the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith has been one of London’s leading venues for Irish arts, culture and heritage. Housed in a modern cultural hub in the heart of west London, the Centre presents a year-round programme of live music, theatre, film, literature, exhibitions, language classes and community events, welcoming thousands of visitors through its doors each year. While its mission is rooted in celebrating and promoting Irish culture, the ICC has become a destination for audiences of all backgrounds, offering a space where people can connect through creativity, learning and shared experiences. We spoke to the Centre’s Director, William Foote, about what makes the ICC unique, why cultural spaces matter in modern cities, and how Irish culture continues to evolve and resonate with audiences in London and beyond.
Hi William, for anyone who’s never come across the Irish Cultural Centre before, how would you describe it?
The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith is a cultural home for Irish arts and heritage in London, but importantly it’s also a place for the wider public. It’s a working cultural and community venue where you’ll find music, theatre, film, literature, language and community activity happening week to week. At its core, it exists to keep culture active, shared, and accessible.
There can sometimes be a misconception that cultural centres are only for a particular community. What would you say to someone who’s curious about visiting but isn’t sure whether it’s ‘for them’?
I’d simply say: come in. You don’t need to have an Irish background to feel at home here. Culture is something that’s shared, not owned. People come to us because they’re interested in music, storytelling, ideas, or simply because they want to experience something different in London. The ICC is open, and it works best when it’s used widely.
The ICC describes its work through three core pillars – culture, community and education. Tell us more about that.
Those three strands are deliberately balanced. Culture is the artistic programme, performances, exhibitions, screenings and events. Community is the day-to-day life of the building, people meeting, taking part, and building relationships. Education runs through both, whether that’s Irish language teaching, workshops, or intergenerational learning projects. Together, they ensure the Centre is active, not static.
Your background spans acting, producing, directing and running your own theatre company. How has that experience shaped the way you approach leading the Irish Cultural Centre?
It’s given me a practical understanding of how culture is made not just what appears on stage, but the process behind it. I’ve worked on all sides of production, so I’m very aware of the realities for artists and companies. In leadership terms, that means being clear, supportive, and realistic, while always trying to protect space for creative ambition.
One of the striking things about the ICC is the sheer variety of events on offer. If somebody walked through the doors this week, what might they find happening?
In any given week you might find a live traditional music session, a theatre performance, a film screening, or a literary event. Alongside that, there could be Irish language classes, music tuition, dance, or community gatherings. The point is that it changes constantly; there isn’t a single definition of what the ICC “is” on any given night.
What do you think audiences are looking for from a cultural centre today? And why do you think spaces like the ICC matter in a city as diverse as London?
People are looking for real experiences, something live, shared, and rooted in quality. In a city as large and diverse as London, cultural centres like the ICC provide focus and identity within that wider landscape. They give people a place to gather around culture in a way that feels human and grounded.
Alongside major performances and visiting artists, there are also language courses, music tuition, dancing classes, reading groups and other community activities. Is it important for ICC to be a place people can actively participate in, rather than simply attend as an audience member?
Yes, absolutely. Participation is what makes the Centre sustainable. When people learn, play, speak or create here, they build a relationship with the space that goes beyond attendance. It becomes part of their routine and their community, not just a night out.
What kind of atmosphere do you hope people visiting the centre encounter?
I hope people find it welcoming and unpretentious. It should feel open and accessible, but also well-curated and full of energy. Ideally, people feel comfortable walking in for the first time, and then curious enough to come back.
If you could recommend just a few different ways for somebody to experience the ICC for the first time, where would you encourage them to start?
A live music night is always a strong entry point, it gives an immediate sense of atmosphere. A film screening or theatre event offers something more reflective. And for those who want to get involved more directly, I would recommend one of our classes.
As someone who grew up in Northern Ireland and now works in London, how has your own relationship with Irish culture evolved over the years?
It’s become broader and more outward-facing. Growing up, it was part of my everyday life; now, living in London, I see it in a more international context. What’s stayed consistent is its strength, it continues to evolve and connect with people in different ways, across generations and geographies.
What do you think surprises people most when they discover the Irish Cultural Centre for the first time?
I think people are often surprised by the range of activities and how modern a venue we are. Many arrive expecting something quite specific and find a much broader cultural programme, alongside a very active community. They don’t always expect how busy and varied the building actually is.
And where can people find out more about the Irish Cultural Centre, and what’s on?
The best place is our website which carries the full and regularly updated programme.. We also share updates and upcoming events through our social channels, so people can see what’s happening week by week.
Irish Cultural Centre – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Website: https://irishculturalcentre.co.uk/