In response to the cost-of-living crisis and a sea change in creative working practices, arts charity Artists Studio Company has launched the Handbag Factory in Vauxhall SE11. The project offers affordable coworking and gallery space for people and groups working in the creative industries. The venue opened its doors in October 2023, with an official launch event taking place on 23rd November 2023.

With an ongoing affordability crisis across London’s creative workspaces, many people working in the creative industries are reconsidering their practice or moving out of the city. Others are forced to work from home, in often cramped and unsuitable shared accommodation. Artists Studio Company hopes that more varied types of affordable workspaces will afford these artists flexibility and help them to stay in the capital.

The Handbag Factory is a unique creative environment focused on supporting creative practitioners working in fields such as the visual arts, fashion, print, design, photography, film, writing and illustration.

Artists Studio Company is a leading arts charity that has been supporting artists and makers for over 30 years.

Peter Flack, Artists Studio Company’s CEO, says ‘’The cost of an arts education and the cost of living in London is affecting the capital’s global cultural status, London is literally being culturally hollowed out. For art and culture to thrive, it has to include people from all walks of life. If art excludes people and becomes the voice of only the privileged few, it will simply be irrelevant. ASC aims to address this problem brick by brick. The Handbag Factory will not solve the problem, but it will help’’.

The Handbag Factory will offer high quality dedicated and coworking desks, meeting rooms and two hire galleries substantially below market rates, helping creative people thrive in a supportive environment.

The building will also be home to the ASC Gallery, a free public art gallery focused on supporting new talented artists and makers.

Located in Vauxhall, The Handbag Factory joins a diverse and flourishing creative community, a short walk away from numerous galleries including Beaconsfield, Gasworks, Tate Britain, Cabinet and Damien Hirst’s Newport Street venue.

You can sign up to The Handbag Factory’s launch event and exhibition opening on November 23rd on Eventbrite, or book a viewing with the team at handbagfactory@ascstudios.co.uk.