I'm trying to pass a ViewData object from a master page to a view user control using the ViewDataDictionary. The problem is the ViewDataDictionary is not returning any values in the view user control whichever way i try it. The sample code below is using an anonymous object just for demonstration although neither this method or passing a ViewData object works. Following is the RenderPartial helper method i'm trying to use: <% Html.RenderPartial("/Views/Project/Projects.ascx", ViewData.Eval("Projects"), new ViewDataDictionary(new { Test = "Mark" })); %> and in my view user control i do the following: <%= Html.Encode(ViewData["Test"]) %> Why does this not return anything? Thanks for your help. EDIT: I'm able to pass and access the stronlgy typed model without any problems. it's the ViewDataDictionary which i'm trying to use to pass say just a single value outside of the model..