Connecting performance artists with digital audiences: A case study of Scratch Online

The Battersea Arts Centre (London, UK) has been a pioneer in developing new models of theatre, including creating and supporting the Scratch programme for the last 12 years. At its core, Scratch is about giving artists-in-residence the opportunity to present work-in-progress, and to actively seek feedback from a live audience. Portions of new works are trialled in short pieces often lasting just 15 minutes, followed by discussions and feedback. With new funding from NESTA, the Battersea Arts Centre and several partners are in the process of developing a Scratch Online platform to help commissioned artists extend this engagement with audiences into an online space using digital tools including live and recorded video.