SPACE

SPACE is a leading visual arts organisation supporting artists by providing creative workspace, advocacy and professional development.

Established by artists Bridget Riley and Peter Sedley in 1968, SPACE runs 21 studio building across 8 London boroughs and Colchester, providing affordable creative workspace for more than 800 artists. If further supports artists through commissions, exhibitions, awards and training opportunities, enabling them to be sustainable and resilient in a changing urban environment.

SPACE also work with artists partners and people in the communities neighbouring their studio sites, to promote engagement with creativity and the arts.

Gallery

SPACE has transformed the former Town Hall lending library into a free public art gallery and event space, complete with new ramped entrance from the old carpark on Clements Road. There is a programme of art exhibitions throughout the year; to find out what's on, visit SPACE's website.

During exhibitions, the gallery is open Wednesdays 11am-5pm, Saturdays 11am-3pm and by appointment. Please email premlata@spacestudios.org.uk to request a visit outside normal gallery opening hours.

SPACE Ilford gallery entrance. Photo Chris Dorley-Brown

Cecilia Charlton exhibition. Photo David Mirzoeff

Artist Studios

There are 35 studios for artists and creatives within the Town Hall. If you're interested in finding out more about renting a studio space head to the SPACE website. SPACE also supports local artists with professional development training, residencies and Studio Awards.

Billboard

The billboard outside the gallery is a site for public art and is commissioned by SPACE to create visibility for artists based in the London Borough of Redbridge. Recent commissions have included Sahra Hersi, Yasmin Falahat and Djofray Makumbu. Find out what’s currently on display by visiting SPACE’s website.

Workshops

SPACE runs regular free family-friendly creative workshops for local audiences to get together, express themselves creatively and learn new skills. Workshops have included textiles, print, magazine making, embroidery and batik. Find out what’s on offer by visiting SPACE’s website.

Learning and Participation

SPACE works with local schools, inviting children to visit its exhibitions and take part in creative workshops. It is developing a network of teachers, providing continuing professional development for teachers via artist-led workshops where teachers learn valuable skills they can feed back into their classrooms.