We make creative activity sustainable within our local communities, creating opportunities to work, learn and enjoy affordable, lifelong access to the arts.
Nurturing London’s creative talent
Since 1994, Bow Arts has nurtured London’s diverse creativity and talent. We’ve provided artists and creative practitioners with affordable workspace, connecting them with local communities and supporting their professional development. We give communities throughout London greater access to and interaction with the arts, through our schools programme, workshops, exhibitions and events.
We’re an arts and education charity and a social enterprise; our services support the growth of sustainable local creative economies. Over 900 artists, designers and makers are affiliated with Bow Arts through our workspaces, Nunnery Gallery, affordable housing for creatives, and award-winning schools and young people’s learning programme.
“I love being part of a creative community and having other business owners to share my journey with. The space has allowed me to expand my practice, work more consistently and has elevated my business to look and feel more professional. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have been given by being a Bow Arts artist.”
Kate Mayer (Old Manor Park Library)
Creative places
From studios to schools, wherever we work, our goal is to create inclusive welcoming environments, where people can learn, develop and be supported, whether they’re an artist, a student or a local resident.
Professional development
We understand the challenges that creative careers can present, so our services are designed to support and guide. We work across London, supporting the development of skills, professional networks and careers through our associated programming and creative employment opportunities. We provide teacher training and support to enrich schools’ creative delivery.
Capturing imaginations
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access quality art. We create exhibitions, events and opportunities within communities, drawing on local interest and talent. We work with thousands of young people every year, providing a wide range of workshops, projects and training, led by world-class professional artists. The Nunnery Gallery is our free public gallery delivering an inspiring programme that champions the work of local and boundary-pushing artists, exploring the stories of east London.
Sustainable futures
Bow Arts advocates for climate justice, social and environmental change across all the work that we do. As active members of our local communities, we recognise our responsibility within communities who are disproportionately affected by the harmful impacts of climate change.
We contribute to a culture of sustainable, responsible and local cultural economies, based on circular economic principles and by building strong relationships with residents and stakeholders.
Reports
Read more about Bow Arts’ work to make creative activity sustainable within our local communities, creating opportunities to work, learn and enjoy affordable lifelong access to the arts.
