We want to unleash creativity in our streets & spaces. By building an artistic space for our community, we will bring more fun and excitement to Walthamstow for all to enjoy!
The Wood Street Walls community art initiative is all about bringing character and creativity to our community. Working with local residents, children and young adults will develop skills whilst improving their area. By giving art a permanent home in Wood St, our artistic community can continue to transform our spaces and places to their full potential!
There is a real need for affordable artist space in London, with only 300 artist studio buildings catering to 11,500 artists. London is seen as the creative capital of the world, but within the next 5 years over 3000 artists will lose their place of work.
Waltham Forest only has 70 studios. In comparison the number in our neighbouring Borough of Hackney is 1124.
By reviving a disused public building – such as the Manual Instruction Centre in Brooke Rd E17 – we will create a brand new studio and community space for local artists and residents to enjoy!
There are a lack of creative spaces and studios for artists. As studio space vanishes and rents increase, urban areas lose artists and art, taking creativity out of our neighbourhoods.
Working alongside the community to bring generic public spaces to life will give skills and opportunities to local young residents, while improving the spaces we all use on a daily basis.
Similar projects have been undertaken in Miami (Wynwood Walls) and Brooklyn (Bushwick Collective). These projects have ended up re-energising their areas and turning them into a hub of creativity. By developing a new studio as the focal point for the Wood Street area, we will make urban art accessible to the local community.