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Lakeside Centre Open Studios
Saturday 20th September 2025 , 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Explore the 38 artist studios located inside the Lakeside Centre and join Bow Arts for a day of music, exhibitions, and family-friendly workshops.
The Lakeside Centre’s annual Open Studios is coming up this September! Meet the artists working in the studios, and see inside their artistic practices–ranging from painting and costuming, to analogue photography and more.
Alongside the Open Studios, there will be a host of activities and entertainments on the day. Get creative with a one of our workshops run by professional artists, learn to play chess, or sit down and listen our friends from RCRDSHOP play live music outside in the courtyard. The Lakeside Art Shop will also be setting up shop, with unique and playful creations from independent artists available to buy or order.
Upstairs, inside the Lakeside Centre, we will have a quiet space available with art activities for young people and space to unwind, as well as exhibitions of artwork and installations on display. Look out at the Southmere Lake from the roof of the building, or make new memories with loved ones inside.
For the third year running, the Open Studios is taking place as part of Open City’s Open House Festival, celebrating our curiosity for what happens inside the buildings that we walk past every day. The 1960’s iconic brutalist building was nominated for a Pineapple award for its sustainable creative retrofit, and has also featured as the backdrop for films such as Beautiful Thing and the TV series Misfits.
Please note, photography will be taking place on the day of the event. Please kindly let our photographer know on the day if you would rather not appear in images of the event, which may be used for future communications.
In 2025, Bow Arts celebrates 30 years of providing long-lasting artist support, championing sustainable creative activity within local communities and providing affordable live & work spaces.
Workshops & Interactive Artwork
Learn to Gelli Print with Edita Juchneviciene
Visitors of all ages and skill levels are invited to join artist Edita Juchneviciene to get to grips with using a Gelli Print Press.
Weaving in the Wild with Chloe Cooper
Join Chloe Cooper for a playful workshop at our upcoming Open Studios, where you can try your hand at large-scale fence weaving, as well as weave a mini wall hanging to take home.
Making Moves: Learn Chess with Check-Mates Chess Club
South-east London creative Raymond Ukwenya is bringing ‘The Coolest Chess Club in Woolwich’ to the Lakeside Centre Open Studios this September.
Interactive Installation: The Love Machine by Dominic Snow
All day, free
Experience an emotional journey. In this interactive experience participants will be assisted, through a process of word and ritual, in removing parasitic programming like fear and trauma.
Snapshots with Selina Mayer
Ever wondered what it would be like to have your portrait taken, the old-fashioned way? Sit for a photo in front of an impressive large format camera, and take home an instax portrait of yourself shot by visual artist and analogue photographer, Selina Mayer. We’ll have limited shots available on the day, so get there quickly!
Painting Workshop with Sharon Biggs
2pm-4pm
Artist Sharon Biggs will be leading a painting workshop in her studio focused on the benefits creativity can have on mental health and well-being.
Mosaic Unveiling: Lakeside Garden Club’s Waterfowl Mosaic
Over three weeks in July, members of the community from the Lakeside Garden Club worked with artist Gary Drostle to create mosaic panels featuring waterfowl local to Thamesmead. Decorating the Lakeside Centre, we’ll be unveiling these new mosaics– on display for the first time during the Open Studios!
Is this event family-friendly?
Yes! We have creative activities suitable for all ages, and baby change facilities in the cafe downstairs.
Will food and drinks be available to purchase?
Thamesmead Social cafe have lunch sorted, with drinks available on the day.
How can I get involved with the Lakeside Centre?
Follow us on Instagram @lakeside_centre to see our upcoming activities, workshops, and news. The Lakeside Centre is also home to the Lakeside Darkroom, and Thamesmead Social cafe.
Transport Information
Tube Station: Abbey Wood (National Rail, Elizabeth Line).
Bus: 117, 229, 401, 472, 601, 301, 602, 669, N1
Please note parking is not available. There is a Bike shed on site.
Access Information
The Lakeside Centre has step-free access throughout from street level, with access via the lifts to upper floor studios and the exhibition space. Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor and first floor, with baby change facilities available via Thamesmead Social cafe. This venue does not have a hearing loop system.
For full access information and queries, please email pandp@bowarts.com.
