It developed local, national and international collaborations that explored the transformative power of words.
It relied on the generosity of supporters and its core funders Arts Council England and Fritt Ord, as well as income from hiring out its space.
[1] Following the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2021, Fritt Ord confirmed its intention to sell the Farringdon building.
In 2007 Fritt Ord, a Norwegian foundation, was persuaded by their vision and purchased the former newsroom and archive building of The Guardian newspaper in Farringdon Road for Free Word.
[4] Free Word Centre opened in June 2009 and hosted seven Resident organisations, including ARTICLE 19, English PEN, Arvon, Apples and Snakes, The Literary Consultancy and The Reading Agency.