ACAVA announced as new operator for vital artist studios and community hub in Camden (September 2025)
15 September 2025- ACAVA appointed as the new operator of The Undercraft, a vital artist studio and community hub in Camden.
- The space supports 27 artist studios and 10 community groups, ensuring continuity and growth for local creativity.
Artist studio and community arts organisation, ACAVA has been appointed as the new operator of a studio and community arts space in the London Borough of Camden.
The space – transformed from a vacant car park beneath the Ludham and Waxham Estate in Gospel Oak – is currently home to 10 community groups and 27 artist studios.
Known as The Undercraft, the building is owned by Camden Council and was previously the base of the London School of Mosaic who created and ran the space until August 2025.
Tom Holley, ACAVA CEO, said:
“ACAVA has been championing artist studios and dynamic community programmes for 50 years. Our values and approach align closely with The Undercraft’s mission, and we’re committed to providing continuity and stability for everyone who relies on this vital creative hub. We want to preserve and strengthen these essential spaces for artists and community groups while getting to know The Undercraft community and working together to shape the hub’s exciting next chapter.”
Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome ACAVA as the new operator of The Undercraft – this space means a lot to local artists and it’s important that it continues to thrive. ACAVA brings a strong track record and a clear commitment to supporting creativity, reflecting Camden’s vision for inclusive, community-led spaces. We’re excited to see how they build on what’s already there and help the space grow.”
Notes to editors:
For further information and images please contact:
Lorna Gemmell
Head of Communications
lorna.gemmell@acava.org
About ACAVA
ACAVA is a leading arts education charity who’ve been providing affordable creative workspace and pioneering community arts programmes for 50 years. One of the largest artist studio operators in the UK, we manage a portfolio of buildings across London, Stoke-on-Trent and Essex. ACAVA supports the creative industries eco-system with workspace for 400 visual artists and creative practitioners, and through professional development programmes. We are a pioneer of delivering socially engaged arts programmes that bring artists and communities together to create pathways to employment, job creation and transformative health and well-being outcomes.