The artist’s function in society is not just that of a decorator, but as a vital participant.  The artist and businessman should cultivate every opportunity to teach and supplement one another, to co-operate with one another, just as the nations of the world must do – Walter Paepcke, 1946.

OPEN is a Studio space in De Beauvoir Town, East London, dedicated to supporting the work of designers in a shared studio environment with hands-on print facilities.  Founded in 2010 by independent practitioners Holly Wales, Hugh Frost, Robert Evens, David Callow and Loren Filis, the idea was to create a space in which to build the practices of illustrators, educators, designers, publisher and printers, in an environment which would provide support to both creative work and independent businesses.

This year has seen the departure of founding members Holly, Bobby and David, and along with it the illustration and education focus. OPEN is now looking to rent desks to creatives from a much wider background as the studio finds it’s new feet.  Current members include Damien Weighill, James Dawe, Nancy Straughan, and Rob Hunter.

If you’re a creative and looking for a studio space to work in London, get in touch with the team at [email protected].  They post ads on the site when a desk becomes available to rent, and are currently looking for new members.

Filed under: Art & Design, Fashion, Graphic Design, Here&Now - What's On, Illustration, Print