Bow Arts Trust

Went to a free origami workshop here, a historic building with an extension by Nikolai Delvendahl Martin architects, they have done really well to make a practical and delightful space on what was probably a super tight budget for the arts charity. The trust is engaging with the community and encouraging local artists.

Really good gallery, small but friendly. Good cafe

I visited on the open day and engaged with a broad and eclectic mix of artists and crafts person's. Lovely atmosphere, it would have been nice to find out more of the history of the building and its uses over the years. Large courtyard providing entertainment, rest, food and drink. A lovely visit😊

Great creative development programme for artists at low prices. Lots of opportunities and gallery events in the Nunnery.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

Do not take on a studio with this ‘company’ if it’s the last thing you do.

They don’t meet anything they promise in their contracts and then take a compulsory ‘donation’ from you of £80 per month on top of your rent. Yet give nothing back to the people paying their wages and donating to their ‘cause’.

Less than half of my electric worked in my studio for almost whole week, which equates to a huge loss of profit for my business of over £500. I asked to be reinbursed or given a discount of just £100 for the huge inconvinence and they refused. They didn’t get anyone out to fix the electric for days.

The WiFi they promise in their contract (which my business relies on) is none existent. They claim that they tell you it’s not the best internet but you can check emails and browse - but this is simply not true. I had to use my own mobile data the entire time I was there for internet which actually cost me money. Again, no reimbursement for the huge inconvinence.

They expect so much from you, so much for you to adhere to and follow - and they give you zero respect or help in return.

They do not support the artists - I had an exhibition - and not one of them came. (Regardless of wether it’s their style or not, surely since they talk so highly about their ‘passion for art’ and ‘helping artists’ it would be expected to actually view the artists exhibitions that are paying donations and monthly rent to their business (‘cause’).

Honestly, don’t waste your time. Tilly is patronising, and rude. Olivia is nice but absolutely useless with emails and because of her lack of response I didn’t know for about two months if she had received my correct bank details or not and then ended up in arreers since she never got back to me.

Michael the manager - is an absolute waste of space. Takes all he can get and doesn’t help out the artists whatsoever. Too busy lining his pockets.

Honestly, avoid this business at all costs. There are many more studios out there, and companies just like this one that will actually look after you and not take take take only giving a small space in return.

So happy to have left! Don’t even bother.

Saw a fabulous exhibition on the history of plastics here. Very well curated with lots of supporting information too. Lovely little cafe and gift shop and upstairs are lots of artist studios which often have open days.
Wish we lived closer to visit more frequently

to be able to see all the unique art pieces from each single studios and talk to the actual artist was a great gift on this open public day ...I really hope they will organise more free open public event ...the complex has its unique vibe a mix of derelict window&walls combine with artistic elements from details painting to sculpture made from recycle bicycle pieces....it all has its fashion ...don't miss a visit if you can

They are incredibly nice and what they have are very interesting