Cubitt Artists asks general public for help after tragic update on future
Cubitt Artists, the internationally recognised gallery, studios, and cultural programme, and the last remaining artist-run studios and gallery in central London, are looking for a new home after 25 years.
The creative space, located in Angel, Islington, was established in 1991 in King’s Cross, and now boasts 32 artist studios, gallery and event spaces, operating on and off-site. It “reaches tens of thousands in the local area.”
Now, Cubitt’s private landlord has announced that their current lease will not be renewed beyond April 2026.
As such, they have explained, “We are looking to secure a future in a new home and continue our decades of cultural and community work.”
The organisation, who believe fundamentally in the power of local communities and grassroots, artist-led experimental practices, has been in conversation with communities, stakeholders, and their board.
However, Cubitt explains: “We aren’t funded by large amounts of private giving, nor are we a large-scale public institution; as such, we provide a unique and important part of London and the UK’s cultural ecology.”
Therefore, they’ve now reached out to the general public for their help.
Via a statement posted to their website, as well as their social media, Cubitt Artists have encouraged Islington residents to send an email to the local representation to show support for the space.
Those outside of the borough, either in the UK or internationally, can email the local Arts Champion to voice support. They have linked a handy email template to their website.
The type of work Cubitt Artists stands to lose is the offer of affordable artists’ studios, as well as a locally embedded civic, education, and community programme, and a Curatorial Fellowship. Their civic programme was established by then-Director of Programmes Amal Khalaf.
The fellowship has helped transform the creative landscape. Early recipients, such as Michelle Cotton, Helen Nisbet, Emily Pethwick, and Polly Staple, have gone on to lead global institutions.
Cubitt will announce a fundraiser in the coming weeks and will distribute a newsletter containing all relevant news.
