Available studios

Join our community of over 400 creative practitioners across London, Essex and Stoke-on-Trent

Photograph of a long corridor into artists studios, artwork hung on the walls during Essex Open Studios

EssexArdleigh Studios

Hadleigh Old Fire Station, Studio 21

Limehouse StudiosEast London

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Studios FAQs

How can I get in touch about available studios?

If you have a question about available studios or would like to speak to the studio allocations manager, please email availablestudios (at) acava (dot) org

How do I get updates about new available studios?

Subscribe to our mailing list here.

How do I apply for an available studio?

The first step in applying for a studio is to complete a studio enquiry form. When we have assessed the form, you will be invited to view the studio.

How quickly can I expect to receive a response?

We aim to respond to all enquiries within two working days.

How can I arrange a viewing?

Submit an enquiry for a vacant studio via our Studio Enquiry Form. At the discretion of our team, an appointment will be arranged for you to view the studio. No fees are required from you at this time. Prior to allocating studios, ACAVA staff will assess applications against our criteria and we often ask applicants to attend our offices for a meeting in person.

Does ACAVA have a waiting list for vacant studios?

ACAVA wants its studios to be accessible to as many people as possible, therefore, anyone can view and apply for an ACAVA studio. You do not need to be a member of ACAVA to view one of our studios, but you will need to become a member if you are offered a studio. We aim to encourage active, diverse and productive artistic communities in our buildings and, therefore, we consider applications carefully against our criteria. ACAVA membership and longevity is taken into account but does not automatically guarantee that you will be prioritised over other applicants. ACAVA prioritises applications that meet one, or more, of the following criteria:

Quality of work
Ambition
Emerging practitioners
Artists working professionally
Increasing participation in contemporary arts
Public engagement
Support the professional development of artists
Socially engaged art practices
International collaboration
Underrepresented groups in the arts, including: ethnic minorities; LGBTQ; disabled or socio-economically disadvantaged artists
Likely amount of time the space will be used

Who makes decisions on studio allocation?

ACAVA allocates studios based on published criteria and availability. Decisions are at the sole discretion of ACAVA staff. As we receive large numbers of applications for our studios, we are not able to discuss individual decisions with unsuccessful applicants.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes, we require a deposit equal to two months' total monthly fees, plus a £50 key deposit for every single occupancy.

What does the license fee include?

The licence fee covers only your studio space. Utilities (e.g. electricity) and a monthly membership fee are extra. These charges are combined in a monthly direct debit.

Is there a joining fee?

If you are offered an ACAVA studio, you will be required to become a member of ACAVA before taking up the studio. There is a one-off £100 onboarding fee and an £8 monthly recurring membership fee, which is included in your studio licence fee. The one-off £100 onboarding fee also applies to people moving between ACAVA studios.

Is there an end date to my studio license?

Studio licenses are granted for a period of one year and are reviewed annually. ACAVA reviews studio licenses, based on the following expectations:

Studios should be used regularly (approximately 50% of the time)
Maintaining regular monthly licence fee payments
Make a positive contribution to the working harmony of your studio building
A meaningful contribution to the charitable purposes of ACAVA

Is it possible to license a studio for short term use?

Sometimes, yes. The minimum license on the studios is 3 months. We also have a couple of spaces available for hire per day/week in North Kensington, London. Visit the 'Work with us' section of this website to find out more.