Category: News

The doors have officially closed on TRACING BRENT | Mapping Place, Time, and Memory, and we are still feeling the incredible energy and warmth brought to the space by the local community.

Running from 16th May to 29th May 2026 at the ASC Canalside Gallery in Alperton, this unique group exhibition was brought to life through a competitive open call process. Guest curators Marco Ferrara and Simmi Dullay meticulously reviewed submissions to select a phenomenal, talented lineup of Brent artists. The resulting showcase featured thoughtful, deeply moving works from local creatives at all stages of their practice, all exploring what it truly means to live, breathe, and create within the London Borough of Brent.

Exploring Shared Histories

The exhibition centered on how personal, collective, and inherited experiences leave traces across spaces and generations. Visitors were invited to engage with three powerful, intersecting themes:

Energy and Memory: How our lived experiences leave lasting impressions on our bodies and neighbourhoods.

Nonlinear Time and Continuity: How we experience history beyond a simple timeline. Through cycles, repetitions, and local change.

Place and Power: How our sense of culture and local belonging is shaped by wider historical and global influences.

From deeply personal storytelling to innovative visual techniques, the gallery was transformed into a space of active remembrance, exploring which stories are preserved and how local histories resurface within everyday life in Brent.

Behind the Scenes: Bringing the Vision to Life

Before the doors opened for the exhibition, a massive amount of care and collaboration took place behind the scenes. Local artists and makers arrived at the gallery with their chosen works in hand, bringing the diverse themes of the exhibition to life. Guest curators Marco Ferrara and Simmi Dullay then spent hours intentionally arranging each piece to ensure all work was displayed in a beautiful, thought-provoking way. Their shared vision seamlessly connected the individual stories of the artists into one cohesive, visually stunning community narrative.

A Vibrant and Busy Public View Night

The opening Public View on 16th May was an absolute triumph. The atmosphere was vibrant, positive, and incredibly busy all evening, with a steady stream of guests arriving throughout the night. The exhibition drew a fantastic crowd, from local Brent residents to art lovers who traveled from all across different parts of London.

It was a deeply thought-provoking night filled with connection, as locals and the exhibiting artists mingled, shared their personal stories, and expressed immense enthusiasm for the collection. A key highlight of the evening was a speech by our guest curators, Simmi Dullay and Marco Ferrara, which was beautifully paired with an acoustic musical performance that brought an extra layer of warmth to the gallery space.

Consistent Community Support

The incredible momentum from the opening night didn’t stop there. The gallery remained open to the public until 29th May 2026, maintaining a fantastic, busy turnout throughout its entire two-week run. It was wonderful to see a steady stream of visitors continuously engaging with the artwork and keeping the vibrant spirit of the exhibition alive right up until the final day.

Artist Spotlight Highlights ✨

Our exhibitors shared the deep personal stories, techniques, and memories behind their work. Here is a glance at some of the incredible local talent that shaped the exhibition:

Midhuni Gopi | @midhungopi.studio

“I am a Brent-based artist living and working in Wembley, and my practice is rooted in memory, migration, and the evolving meaning of home. Through layered painting using rice paper, acrylic, gouache, and watercolour, I create textured works where fragments of landscapes, maps, and symbols emerge like traces of remembrance. For Tracing Brent, my work reflects on how place is never fixed, but shaped by movement, memory, and the stories we carry with us. As an artist living in Brent, I feel connected to its rich sense of cultural overlap, shared histories, and everyday transformation.”

Nibras Hamadi | @nibbyhamadi

“My practice as an Iraqi British mixed media artist is rooted in storytelling and shaped by living in Brent for most of my life. Working across diverse materials, I explore identity, memory, belonging, and cultural inheritance. Recurring motifs, such as the Hijab and the mother-and-child relationship, function as symbolic forms carrying narratives of care, protection, and lived experience. Through a layered visual language, I seek to trace the intersections between individual histories and collective memory. Within Tracing Brent, my work reflects the richness of our communities and how identity shapes both personal and shared narratives”.

Neemat Auladin | @neemcreates

“My creative practice uses an impressionistic style with soft pastels and acrylic on wood to celebrate the vibrant layers of Mauritian heritage, from its French colonial history to the Chinese Mauritian culture of Port Louis. As an artist in Brent, participating in the Tracing Brent exhibition allows me to weave my personal history – including the boat racing culture of Mahebourg (Regrette), my mother’s hometown – into the borough’s diverse global tapestry. This is an intentional effort to anchor my spiritual and artistic roots within a community where multiple worlds and identities converge.”

To find out more about the artists and their work click here

A Massive Thank You

An exhibition of this depth and scale requires an immense amount of vision and dedication. We want to extend a huge thank you to our brilliant local guest curators, Marco Ferrara and Simmi Dullay. Developed as part of the Creative Enterprise Programme, their incredible work in selecting such a talented lineup and putting together a visually stunning, thought-provoking show gave our community something truly special to experience.

We also want to thank every resident, neighbour, and art lover who attended the Public View launch on 16th May, visited during the run, and took the time to share their insights on our visitor feedback forms. Your feedback is vital to helping us support future community art initiatives.

Supported by Culture

This exhibition was proudly funded by Brent Council as part of the Mayor’s Creative Enterprise Zone (ERA) and proudly supported by ASC.

Missed the exhibition or want to relive the experience? Head over to our social media pages to view our short highlight reel capturing the best moments of the show!

We are dropping 27 ultra-high-spec, self-contained artist studios in Fish Island, just 10 minutes from Hackney Wick station.

These are bespoke studios for creatives working in fashion, film, design, and photography who want a premium, long-term home for their business.

What’s on offer:

• Stunning natural light (floor-to-ceiling windows) & balconies

• Own street access (for selected studios) + 24/7 smart access

• Premium amenities: AC, high-speed broadband, showers, bike storage

• Long-term, secure leases

• Rents from £600

We are currently opening early expressions of interest. If you want to be at the top of the list, please register your interest using our form below and sign up on our waiting list. We will be in contact in due course with upcoming details as soon as we launch!

Register Your Interest now!

Register here

Artists Studio Company (Trading) is wholly owned by Artists Studio Company, a registered charity, no 1045067

TRACING BRENT | Mapping Place, Time, and Memory

We are thrilled to announce TRACING BRENT, an upcoming exhibition showcasing some of the creative talent in the borough. The exhibition features thoughtful works from local creatives, artists and makers exploring the deep connections between place, time and memory.

Exhibition Details:

Public View Event: Join us on 16th May @ 6pm 🥂
Exhibition dates: 16th May – 29th May 2026
Opening Times: 4pm – 7pm (Closed Sundays & Mondays)

Public View Tickets Here

Location:

ASC Studios Alperton Canalside Gallery, 243 Ealing Rd, London, Wembley, HA0 1QL

This exhibition has been curated by local artists Marco Ferrara and Simmi Dullay as part of the Creative Enterprise Programme, funded by Brent Council as part of the Mayor’s Creative Enterprise Zone (ERA).

Supported by Artists’ Studio Company (ASC) a registered charity dedicated to keeping art affordable and accessible in London since 1995. Charity Registration number: 1045067

Join us for a weekend full of art, music & creative connections on the 10th & 11th of October

We’re excited to invite our tenants, and friends to the relaunch of our Streatham Hill building. This special weekend is not only a celebration, but also a moment to mark our successful purchase and building improvements which have safeguarded a vital creative space for artists in Streatham.

We would like to thank the Future Workspace Fund and the London Borough of Lambeth for their generous £200,000 grant. This support has helped secure affordable studios for 59 artists and makers, ensuring that rental levels remain accessible for the local creative community.

Peter Flack, CEO of ASC, said:
“ASC has operated affordable artists’ and makers’ workspace at 47c Streatham Hill for 23 years. There has always been a great community of artists here and I am hugely grateful to Lambeth for their support in securing the building and for their ongoing commitment to our sector.”

The relaunch will feature Open Studios, showcasing the incredible work of our artists, alongside the opening of a brand-new gallery within the building. Named Streatham Hill Projects, this new space will allow artists to exhibit their work, host events and workshops, and build connections with the wider community.

Importantly, the relaunch is timed to coincide with the Streatham Festival on 10th and 11th October. By joining forces, we open the doors to more visitors, more creativity and more opportunities — not only for our artists, but also for locals and the wider community — to meet, connect and celebrate affordable artist spaces in Streatham Hill.

Event Highlights

• • Building Relaunch  Celebrate the renewed ASC building with live music & speeches.

  • Open Studios – Explore the work of our resident artists & see creativity in action.

  • Gallery Opening,  Group Exhibition & Prizes

  • Launch of the ASC Art Prize 2026

To celebrate the creativity and talent across the Streatham Hill building, one artist will be short listed for the ASC Art Prize 2026. The short list will consist of 11 winners from each of ASC’s 11 buildings. All short listed artists will be shown at the ASC Gallery, Vauxhall in March 2026.

Opening times

Friday 10 October 6pm – 8pm
Open Studios & Group Exhibition Launch

Saturday 11 October 11am – 4pm
Open Studios & Gallery Opening continue

📍 47c Streatham Hill, London SW2 4TT

Click here for the event page

Artists: We are now confirming participation for Open Studios. If you have a studio at ASC Streatham and would like to take part, please complete the short form here 

Meet the artists • Explore the new spaces • Celebrate the next chapter of our building!

Applications Now Open

Please Apply By: 3 August 2025

Artists’ Studio Company in partnership with Lambeth Council are excited to announce our applications for Free Studio Scheme are now open. This is an incredible opportunity aimed at an Artist, Designer or Maker who lives in the borough of Lambeth

We are inviting creatives who are resident in the borough to apply. The successful applicant will receive a rent-free studio for two years, starting from 15 September 2025

Eligibility:

We would love to hear from you if:

• You are a Lambeth resident
• You work as an Artist, Designer or Maker
• You do not currently occupy a studio
• You currently face a barrier to accessing a studio space – financial, geographical etc. 
• You are committed to make good use of the space
• You are at a point in your artistic practice where this opportunity would have a significant positive impact
• We especially welcome applications from local people that wish to support the local community
• Applications from all ages and career stages welcome

The Studio:

The studio is located at ASC Streatham Hill, 47c Streatham Hill, London SW2 4TT, minutes away from Streatham Hill Overground station and Streatham Hill bus garage.

It is a bright, self-contained studio space with secondary natural light provided by skylights. The studio measures 196 sq ft and has its own lockable door. Tenants have access to a nearby washout sink, a newly fitted communal kitchen, and (forthcoming) a bookable gallery project space. The studio is located on the ground floor, however, please note that access is via a small set of steps.

*Please note that the space is open topped and does not have an openable window, so it may not be suitable for all types of work. We kindly ask you to consider whether your practice is a good fit for the space before applying.

What we’re asking for from the successful candidate:

1. During or at the conclusion of your time in the studio we ask for a commitment to complete one or more of the following:
   • Exhibition of completed works or works in progress held in the onsite Gallery open to the public (gallery due to open Spring 2025)
   • A public blog or or publicly available journal documenting your time in the studio 
   • Host a workshop with the local community
   • Give a talk or presentation about your work open to the public
   • A curated online presentation of completed works or works in progress during your time in the studio

*If the above do not fit into your practice or you have a specific public-facing project you would like to work on, we are happy to discuss alternative outcomes.

1. To meet with the Business Support Manager at the start, midway and near the conclusion of the year, OR submit a case study or report (template provided) at the end of the year.

Key dates and Information:

• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted the week starting 18th August 2025 If you have not been notified by this date you have not been successful.
• For those shortlisted you will be invited to an interview via video, with a panel made up of an ASC representative and a member of the Business, Culture and Investment team at Lambeth Council who will decide the successful candidate. Interviews will take place the week starting 1 September 2025. 
• The successful applicant will occupy the studio space from week beginning: 15 September 2025

How to apply

APPLY NOW: Complete this form
For any questions please contact: lettings@ascstudios.co.uk
Closing date: 3 August 2025

If you would prefer to submit your response in a format other than our Google Form,  here are the alternative submission options available:

1. Word Document Submission:

Please email us at lettings@ascstudios.co.uk. We will send you a Word version of the submission form, which you can complete and return to us via email once finished.

1. Video Response:

For those who prefer to communicate their ideas verbally, we also accept video submissions. Please record a 2 – 3 minute video response that addresses the required prompts or questions. Once recorded, email the video file or a link to the video (e.g., via Google Drive, Dropbox, or another file-sharing platform) to  lettings@ascstudios.co.uk 

If you have any questions or require further assistance with these alternative formats, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Terms and Conditions:

• The application is open to fine artists or designer makers – which may include but is not limited to sculpture, painting, drawing, print, fashion design, textile design, illustration

• ASC reserves the right to terminate the contract if the artist/designer/maker fails to comply with the competition brief

• Photo ID and proof of address will be required for shortlisted candidates

• Electricity usage is metered. General electricity costs are included; however, if you use tools or machinery with high energy consumption, you may be required to cover the additional cost of your usage.

• In accepting this you agree to publicity with Lambeth Council and ASC for use in potential magazine, social media, website and to third party local media and press

• This is primarily free workspace opportunity only, with the offer of up to 3 meetings with ASCs Business Support Manager – offered month 1, 6 and 11.

• You must be a Borough of Lambeth Resident

ASC Studios and Lambeth Council partnership

ASC is excited to launch a limited number of micro-units, dedicated work-spaces tailored for artists, designers and those who work in the arts and culture sector more broadly, whose work suits a quiet, clean, and collaborative environment.

Ideal for:

These small, dedicated workspaces are ideal for visual artists looking for a quiet, clean and affordable studio alternative, especially those whose practice suits a quiet, clean and collaborative environment. We also warmly welcome writers, designers, architects, curators and other professionals working across the arts and cultural sector.

What You Get:

• Natural light via large skylights
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Free tea & coffee
• Bookable meeting room (discounted fee)
• Casual meeting & breakout areas
• Networking opportunities with a wide range of creatives
• Invitations to private views and events in our galleries

Access Times:

• Weekdays: 8am – 8pm
• Weekends: 10am – 5pm

Please note: these hours are fixed and cannot be extended.
Unfortunately, the micro units are not wheelchair accessible at this time.

Eligibility & Suitability

We welcome practitioners from across the visual arts and wider creative and cultural sectors.

Price & Size:

• £290 PCM
• 60 SQFT

Only 4 units available.

Suitable for:

• Quiet, clean practices
• Digital/lens-based work
• Design, writing, planning, research-based practices

Please note: ASC reserves the right to withdraw an offer if the practice proves unsuitable for the space.

Not suitable for:

• Dusty, noisy, or tool-heavy practices
• Activities requiring machinery or large equipment

Work must be appropriate for an open-plan space with shared facilities

Book to View

About The Handbag Factory

Located in the heart of Vauxhall, The Handbag Factory is a multi-use building designed to nurture creativity and community across the arts and creative industry. Bringing together, like minded people, allowing a space to work, create and connect with others within the creative industry!

• Coworking Hub for Creatives – home to a dynamic mix of architects, illustrators, writers, designers and more
• Bainbridge Print Studios – specialist open-access printmaking studios offering workshops and facilities for screenprinting, relief, and intaglio processes
• Two Large Hire Galleries – hosting exhibitions, fashion shows, launches, talks, and networking events throughout the year
• ASC Gallery – Our curated exhibition space presenting contemporary art projects from emerging and established artists

This is also the location of ASC Studios’ Head Office, from which the ASC team manage 9 studio buildings across London.

The Handbag Factory
3 Loughborough Road, London SE11 5RB
www.handbagfactory.org

ASC Studios:www.ascstudios.co.uk
Contact: lettings@ascstudios.co.uk