A new development in the City of London offering underrepresented artists access to affordable space will open in early July 2023.
Hive Curates, a creative studio, is partnering with Landsec and the Eastern City Business Improvement District (EC BID), to run the space after being announced as the operator for 65 Old Broad Street.
Less than a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station, the site will host nine affordable studios and include retail space for artists to further promote their works, as well as run a programme of workshops and events, building on the City’s heritage of craft and enterprise.
The space will give underrepresented talent and creatives an opportunity to fulfil their career aspirations, allowing them to engage with new audiences whilst broadening the range of cultural experiences on offer in the City.
Local workers, residents, and tenants will be able to engage with the space, participating in a variety of artistic programmes on offer, while young people and school groups will be encouraged to attend and learn new skills.
The announcement comes shortly after the first anniversary of Destination City, an initiative launched by the City of London Corporation in May last year to ensure the district remains a world-leading destination.
Hive Curates will run the studios for a trial period of 18 months, beginning in late July 2023 and ending in December 2024. This comes as a precursor to Landsec’s plans to redevelop 55 Old Broad Street, a new and innovative work, retail, and cultural destination within the City.
Landsec has teamed up with EC BID to help deliver the initiative – both organisations will be donating £27,000 each, towards the studios’ set up costs. Landsec will also contribute over £230,000 towards works to the space and occupational costs.
Chantelle Purcell, Co-Founder of Hive Curates said: “Since Hive Curates was founded in 2019, our mission has been to widen access to the arts. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to do this in the heart of the City, and we look forward to contributing to the area’s cultural offering, through innovation and participation in the arts.”
Oliver Hunt, Development Director at Landsec said: “Diversifying the cultural experiences on offer in the City is at the heart of our plans to reimagine 55 Old Broad Street. It’s therefore hugely exciting to be partnering with Hive Curates and EC BID, through which we will provide talented creatives from underrepresented backgrounds the space to flourish.”
Kate Hart, Chief Executive of EC BID said: “As the Eastern City’s voice for business, entrepreneurs, and community empowerment, we’re delighted to be partnering with Landsec and Hive Curates on this project. This is a partnership working in action, enabling us all to deliver more for the benefit of this unique part of the City; broadening its appeal and attracting new audiences.”