We’re delighted to today announce the launch of our new artist and maker studios, opening in May 2025.

Developed in partnership with affordable workplace providers ASC (Artist Studio Company), these new studios will form part of our ambitious new Community and Creative Campus, an exciting project that will boost cultural and creative activity in the Hounslow area, and enable us to continue to support our local community.

The new creative campus aims to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community of artists and makers that reflect the diversity of the local area, ensuring that this historically significant space remains welcoming to all and part of a thriving, sustainable local creative economy.

It will also form a part of the wider Creative Enterprise West, led by the London Borough of Hounslow and the Mayor of London, and tasked with supporting artists and creative businesses across the area.

With London-wide waiting list for affordable creative workspaces totalling over 3,000 people, and 67% of all affordable workspaces having closed since 2014, these new studios also address a growing need for accessible, fairly-priced art spaces.

The 19 studios are already taking shape in refurbished historic sheds, stables and outbuildings in our underused ‘back of house areas’ and, when finished, will provide a workspace for between 40 and 50 artists, situated in a wildlife rich green oasis of 65 acres within the busy capital.

We’re particularly keen to develop strong relationships with artist-makers who have a connection to Hounslow and the wider London community, with a focus on nurturing meaningful, ongoing relationships that reflect the rich diversity of the area.  We’re proud of the fact that our gardens are open to everybody, every day, and are committed to welcoming artists whose values align with our own – championing inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability.

The new studios mark the first stage of an important long-term project

The new artist studios mark the first step in the creation of a vibrant community campus, a £6m redevelopment project that will create new indoor and outdoor spaces for the whole community in coming years, including a new learning hub and the transformation of an unused and overgrown 17^th century walled garden into a community fruit garden.

More than just a studio space, this new creative hub will offer artists opportunities to engage with the public through Open Studios, workshops, and exhibitions. Collaboration will be key, with artists invited to work with local groups, take part in community projects, and potentially showcase their work in the Chiswick House & Gardens shop.

The project will also help us ensure our own future remains secure, generating much-needed income to support our ongoing community work and collaborations with local charities and schools.

The studios, and the wider Community and Creative campus they form part of, have been made possible by generous support from a range of funders including the London Borough of Hounslow, the Mayor of London Creative Enterprise Zone, The Linbury Trust and the Wolfson Foundation.

Applications for studio spaces will be opening soon. For details on how to register interest, please email info@chgt.org.uk with ‘ASC Studios’ in the email title.

Xanthe Arvanitakis, Director of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, said:

‘‘We’re incredibly excited to launch these new artist studios at Chiswick House & Gardens, marking the first step in our vision for a vibrant Creative Campus. Chiswick has long been a home to artists, and this initiative ensures that tradition continues – offering affordable, inspiring workspaces in an extraordinary and beautiful setting in the capital.

We’re proud to be working with ASC on this new development to provide artists and makers with both financial support and creative opportunities, ensuring they have the space and resources to grow and thrive in their practice.’’

Peter Flack, Founder and Chief Executive Office of Artists Studio company (ASC), said:

“I have been involved with the development and management of thousands of creative studios across many buildings but what especially excites me about this project, is its amazing location and our partnership with CHGT.

London is very expensive, and artists and makers find it especially difficult to live and work here.  Affordable good quality workspace is vital if the capital wishes to retain its cultural identity. The Creative Campus will offer affordable workspace to local creatives for years to come and within one of the most beautiful settings in the capital.

ASC and CHGT have shared aims for the Creative Campus and our close partnership promises to deliver unique and exciting cultural events and opportunities across the studios, gardens and house, for both CHGT visitors and those local creative individuals lucky enough to be offered a studio here.”

Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Public Spaces, said:

“We’re delighted to support these new artist studios. They will play an important role in helping emerging artists and further developing our borough’s rich arts and culture.

“The creative arts play a central role in enriching lives, bringing people together and fostering community pride, but they also create jobs and bring visitors to the borough, boosting our local economy and showcasing the best of Hounslow.

“We encourage local artists in need of a workspace to check out these new studios, in their stunning surroundings.”

About ASC

ASC Studio Company (ASC) is a London-based registered charity, founded in 1995, dedicated to supporting artists, promoting the arts, and fostering public engagement.

As London’s leading provider of affordable artist workspaces, ASC supports over 650 practitioners and has managed 23 buildings to date, playing a key role in the city’s creative industries.

Each year, ASC hosts public exhibitions, events, and educational initiatives, providing opportunities for artists and local communities. Committed to inclusivity, ASC believes art is most meaningful when accessible to all.

About the Wolfson Foundation

The Wolfson Foundation is an independent charity with a focus on research and education. Its aim is to support civil society by investing in excellent projects in science, health, heritage, humanities and the arts.

Since it was established in 1955, some £1 billion (£2 billion in real terms) has been awarded to more than 14,000 projects throughout the UK, all on the basis of expert review.

X: @wolfsonfdn

About The Linbury Trust

The Linbury Trust is a UK-based grant-making foundation and part of the wider Sainsbury Family Trust network. It funds charities and charitable organisations. Its focus is public engagement with culture, including arts, dance, museums, and heritage, especially when this has benefits such as improved wellbeing and life opportunity. It also supports work that improves the choices of people experiencing disadvantage and inequality.