Artist stories

In February, we brought educators, artists and teachers together for a thoroughly enjoyable, thoughtful two days at RETHINK, our Artist Educators’ Retreat 2026.

This year’s iteration encouraged us to pause, rethink, reset and reflect on artistic practice in the classroom and beyond.

We’re connecting artists so they can create, develop and grow through our inspiring Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme. We’ve created an energising and supportive space to share skills and swap tips.

Last autumn, as part of our Poplar Schools Consortium, 16 children at Lansbury Lawrence Primary School worked with artist educator Jenny Pengilly on a six-day project to create a peaceful, sensory ‘Creative Corner’ in their school.

In September, Bow Arts the artist educators and Learning team visited the Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory (PEARL) at UCL in Barking & Dagenham for an inspiring creative workshop led by Miyuki Kasahara.   

Bow Arts speaks to artist Dominic Snow, known as Elephantman, about his artistic influences, the importance of crystals in his work, and his most recent project, ‘The Love Machine on Wheels’.

Cross-curricular learning has taken off at James Campbell Primary School, where Year 5 worked with artist educator Reza Ben Gajra to turn their knowledge of science into sculpture.

Bow Arts hears from Sandra Lam, Curator: Programme and Engagement at Bow Arts about the East London Arts Prize Events Programme and how it showcases the talent inside east London’s artist community.

With hands-on help from the community, six permanent mosaics featuring local waterfowl now permanently decorate the Lakeside Centre façade, for visitors to appreciate.

Bow Arts speaks to Miyuki Kasahara, Bow Arts Artist Educator and Thamesmead-based guardian as she walks us through the vast range of projects she has done with schools and Thamesmead communities, all through a unique environmental lens.

Bow Arts speaks with Laisul Hoque, reflecting on his East London Art Prize winning installation ‘An Ode to All the Flavours’, his making process and his upcoming solo show at the Nunnery Gallery in 2026.

Bow Arts speaks to portrait and fashion photographer and artist Scallywag Fox on the motivation behind his work, and his experience as a creative business owner.

Bow Arts speaks to London-based fashion designer Abigail Ajobi as she shares an insight into her work and the impact of culture in her collections.