Affordable artists’ studios in London

Founded by Jonathan Harvey and David Panton in 1972, Acme Studios is a London-based charity which provides affordable studio space, residencies and awards for non-commercial fine artists. Through this provision it continues to make a vital contribution to the development of art and artists’ careers.

Acme supports over 500 artists and manages 429 studios in 11 buildings in London, offering a wide range of high-quality, long-term and professionally-managed space including permanent new-build studios.

The current average cost of an Acme studio is £9.50 per sq ft per year or £198 per month for a 250 sq ft (23 sq m) studio. This is one third the price of a comparable commercial space and less than most other London studio providers. The rent is fully inclusive of business rates, insurance and service charges - the only extra cost is electricity.

Artists are allocated studios based on individual needs and time on our waiting list.

Since its inception Acme has taken the lead in developing affordable, high-quality, secure and accessible space for artists in England. It has developed pioneering projects for permanent studio space with:

• Commercial Developers
• Housing Associations
• Local Government

In addition to affordable studio space, Acme also offers a Residency, Awards and Community Programme, which is one of the most supportive and extensive in the UK including:

• Adrian Carruthers Award
• Bow Cross Artist Residency
• Camberwell Studio Award
• Chadwell Award
• Chelsea Studio Award
• Fire Station Work/Live Programme
• Jessica Wilkes Award
• Southwark Studio Residency
• Tower Hamlets Studio Residency

Working with the National Federation of Artists’ Studio Providers, Acme also offers support, advice and associated publications for artists, studios groups, and all those with an interest in helping to develop affordable space for artists, and acts as an advocate on behalf of the affordable studios sector.

Acme’s International Residencies Programme manages 20 artists’ residencies in London for international governments, cultural agencies and foundations.