“I had a studio on Ridley Road for 13 years, and as an artist in London, studio spaces come at a high cost. Over time, the areas where artists work tend to become more expensive, making it challenging to balance studio expenses, housing, and living costs in the city. After 13 years, the studio prices at Ridley Road became too steep for me. However, when Cell Studios announced their partnership with Creative Land Trust and the construction of new studios in Hackney Wick, I was thrilled yet apprehensive. Leaving a space where I’d spent most of my creative journey was emotionally challenging, and the logistical aspect of packing up years of artwork was daunting. Fortunately, I found the perfect space in Hackney Wick, and I consider myself incredibly lucky. It’s undoubtedly my favourite studio to date, and I don’t take it for granted.”

“I’ve been at Mainyard Studios since the very beginning. I was at university doing my MA at the Royal College of Art and started cold-calling studios. I happened to call Mainyard Studios (MYS), and they told me they were building a new subsidised studio. I came to view the space when it was just concrete, and Tash (MYS) showed me the square footage of what my studio would look like. I’ve been here since then. Last year, I moved into a bigger space, and now I’m moving to an even larger one on the other side of the building”

“Some of my friends here had struggled to find affordable spaces in London, often venturing far from the city centre to find anything. I then heard back from Cell Studios and was able to get a space with them, which I am sharing with a few artist friends.  The people managing the building are very helpful. I’d say I’m pretty lucky to get this space; it’s so affordable. It’s pretty much in central London, and the area around it is amazing”