Affordable artists' studios in London

From November 2012 Acme Studios celebrates its 40th anniversary. Founded by Jonathan Harvey and David Panton in 1972, Acme Studios is a London-based charity which provides affordable studio space and 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.

Throughout our anniversary year there will be a number of events and activities associated with our history including a major archive display developed together with the Whitechapel Gallery from September 2013, and a commissioned film, covering our first decade.

Acme supports over 600 artists and manages 477 studios in 12 buildings in London, offering a wide range of high-quality, long-term and professionally-managed space including permanent new-build studios. Three new studio projects are currently under development and will open later this year: High House Artists' Studios, The Glassyard Building and Warton House.

The current average cost of an Acme studio is £10.30f² per year or £257 per month for a 300f² (28m²) 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

And increasingly is working in partnership with art colleges to create programmes that meet the needs of recent graduates.

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

• Adrian Carruthers Award
• Camberwell Studio Award
• Chadwell Award
• Chelsea Studio Award
• Fire Station Work/Live Programme
• Goldsmiths Studio Award
• Hackney Studio Residency
• Helen Scott Lidgett Award
• Jessica Wilkes Award
• Recent Graduate Studio Programme
• Stephen Cripps' Studio Award

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.