Second Floor Studios & Arts provide affordable, long-term, high quality studio workspace for artists, designers and makers.

“The affordable studio space sector in London continues to grapple with a significant decline due to urban redevelopment and the pervasive wave of gentrification sweeping across various districts. This ongoing loss is particularly disconcerting given the pivotal role that artists and crafts makers, along with other creative practitioners have played in transforming these lower-cost districts into sought-after locations. These creatives, often based in these areas for substantial periods, have been instrumental in catalysing the economic viability and vibrancy that subsequently attracts development interests.

Artists' studios aren't merely places of work; they act as engines of economic growth and innovation, incubators for community engagement, and platforms for widening social participation. Furthermore, they're integral to both education and training initiatives, while also contributing to the enhancement of the public realm. As such, the decline in the provision of affordable studio space isn't a loss for the arts alone, but a broader societal setback with long-lasting repercussions.

Therefore, a pressing need exists for a more informed and nuanced perspective within the context of long-term spatial planning, Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD), and area masterplans. To ensure sustainable urban development, policy makers must recognise and accommodate the multifaceted benefits derived from affordable artists’ studio space. This necessitates a more robust commitment to preserving these vital cultural assets, thereby ensuring a resilient, diverse, and vibrant city that supports and nurtures its creative community.” Matthew Wood - Founder SFSA

About

Second Floor Studios & Arts (SFSA) was established in 1997. It is a leading arts organisation providing affordable studio space for visual and fine artists' and craft and designer makers.

Our core aim is providing best quality studios at monthly rental prices our studio members can afford and whom would otherwise struggle to find comparable studio workspace on the open commercial market.

Aims:

• To establish an empowering environment that nurtures creativity and innovation, providing our members with optimal conditions for artistic exploration and production. A supportive environment, allowing for the time and the space needed to research, develop, experiment and make their work.

• To support continual professional development beyond the physical studio space for our community. Foster a vibrant environment of peer support, networking and collaboration. Where possible provide technical facilities and training, gallery space, opportunities for employment and actively encourage, promote and support individual member projects.

• To forge impactful creative alliances with local and national arts organisations, businesses, and governing bodies. Our ambition is to initiate transformative projects and engagements that drive innovation and promote inclusivity in the arts sector, reinforcing the important role of the arts in societal development.

• To deploy the expertise of seasoned professionals in delivering expansive educational and outreach initiatives, thereby democratising access to the visual arts, crafts, and design sectors. Our mission is to facilitate active community participation, nurture talent, and inspire future generations of artists, thus promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity.

• To champion the integral role of Art, Craft, and Design in the revitalisation of urban and rural spaces. Our endeavours will focus on fostering local identities, nurturing a 'sense of place,' and meeting the cultural needs of communities through strategic, art-based initiatives. We aim to advocate for the arts as an essential component of public service delivery, contributing to societal well-being, happiness, and economic growth, and ultimately catalysing the creation of sustainable, thriving communities.

This page and top carousel Credit Amanda Rose Photography and Melanie Issaka

After spending two years looking for an affordable studio in London I came across SFSA. Their energy and commitment to the arts was immediately apparent as they have a wealth of experience supporting artists in their studios at an affordable rent, in the capital. At Deptford Foundry this is topped by the fact that the studio is there for the long run; not going to be redeveloped, or demolished or made into flats... It gives my practice the ground it needs to grow, steadily and with confidence. I couldn’t be happier!

Tiago Oliveira, Ceramic Conservationist. Studio AS03 (Creative Industry)