Create exists to explore the ways artists can contribute to the lives of people in cities.

Our work is primarily focused in east London, home to more artists and art organisations than anywhere in Europe, and one of the most economically deprived parts of the UK.

We help artists to connect more closely with communities through an ambitious programme of projects.

We commission art anywhere. Unlike a gallery or theatre we have no fixed public space, preferring to work in the places people encounter everyday. Working collaboratively informs everything we do and our projects are driven by artists, issues and places.

PROJECTS

Over the last ten years we have helped to build a cinema under a motorway, set-up a new drinks-making company run with local people, built a new soft play centre and commissioned over 100 artists to deliver some of the the most ambitious projects of their careers. 

We have expertise in delivering long-term creative projects that contribute to improvements in neighbourhoods across east London and champion communities and artists to be part of the changing nature of the city, including Old Manor Park Library, a new public space for artists, makers and people living in Manor Park, Newham; Open School East, a project that supports emerging artists by providing free tuition and studio space in exchange for developing public programmes for communities in Margate, Kent; and Blackhorse Workshop, workshop and community resource for wood and metal-working in Walthamstow.

All of our work is underpinned by our Create Jobs initiative, which provides mentoring, support and paid employment opportunities for local young people.

Download our 2017-18 annual report here.