Creative Spaces for Hire in London

The sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity, and this applies to creative spaces, too! London is a buzzing creative hub and the choice of venues here is tremendous. From creative spaces in impressive industrial lofts and versatile railway arches to spacious and bright photography studios, London has something for everyone. Happily, Tagvenue is here to help you find the perfect creative space for your needs. What are you waiting for? Start your exciting new project today!

London’s full of art studios and other creative venues. It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for a creative space in South Bank, the city centre, or another district, we’re sure to have something that suits your needs. Still not sure what you’re keen on? Have a look at our shortlist of London’s most popular types of creative spaces for hire:

• Studio spaces – while you can find lots of film and photo studios in the city, there’s more to creative studio spaces than that. London offers a number of studios in all sorts of unique locations, that are perfectly suitable for artistic performances, concerts, dance shows, wedding receptions, corporate events and even product launches.
• Small venues – intimate spaces with soft lighting and a cosy, informal atmosphere are always in high demand. Smaller spaces such as cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and pubs are great settings for alternative art exhibitions, poetry slams and similar events. When it comes to cheap art spaces to rent, these are great value for aspiring artists looking for a beautiful space for their projects.
• Art galleries – you’ll find a lot of galleries located in London’s hip districts, such as Shoreditch, Camden Town, Brixton, and Islington. Enjoy the chic exteriors, but they’re just as pretty on the inside. London’s art galleries offer a wide variety of sizes to choose from.
• Blank canvas spaces – these are the spaces that give you the most creative freedom, as you can style them as you like. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to set up all the things you’ll need. Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with the venue’s terms and conditions as well, especially regarding catering and loud music.
• Pop-up spaces – we know the ones that really pack a punch! Pop-up projects are really hot in London right now. Want to set up a pop-up shop, restaurant or exhibition? We’d love to help you find the right creative space.

How to set up your own pop-up shop

Pop-up retail has been a popular way to sell your art or photos in London for some time. If you’re an artist looking for creative ways to make some side money, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of our tips on setting up your first pop-up shop:

• Choose your location. Picking your location wisely will be very important for your pop-up, as it will impact your potential sales. Try to find a venue as close to the historical parts of London as possible - tourists roaming the streets will usually want to buy some souvenirs on the way.

• Be in compliance with the law. It is important to do some research on how to legally run a temporary shop in London before you make any big decisions. Decide whether you want to hire some temporary workers or run your shop by yourself. Hand in all the necessary paperwork.

• Prepare your products. Whether it’s paintings, photos, sketches, or pottery, it obviously needs to be ready before your store opens. If you already have a huge collection of creations, it won’t be much of a problem. Make sure to give yourself enough time to build up a sufficient inventory.

• Design a storefront. You want your potential customers to know that you are an artist, so feel free to go creative! Depending on the type of creative space you’ve hired for your pop-up, you will be able to attach posters and signs to windows or walls, make displays and decorations, and furnish your store appropriately. Your pop-up has to make a good first impression on your clients!
  

• Advertise. If you are present on social media as an artist, remember to use it to your advantage. Even if you don’t have a huge following, every bit of attention counts. Make sure to tell your followers, friends, and family to share the information about your pop-up with everyone they can. You can even make some pamphlets and give them away to people a couple of days in advance.

• Get ready. Before the grand opening, make sure your pop-up space is set up to your liking. Get ready to enjoy the direct interaction with your potential clients! As they look through your art, try to engage them with small talk, and tell them some stories about how your art comes to life. A pop-up shop is like an art exhibition where people can buy your art, so make sure shoppers have a good experience.

Creative Spaces in London FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a creative space in London?

Creative studio space, or venues that can be used as one, are priced somewhere between £15 and £500 or more per hour. Depending on your needs, other creative spaces that are rented by the day will cost you from £200 to £8000 and beyond per day. (All data from Tagvenue.com)

Which London neighbourhoods have the best creative studio spaces?

London has plenty of small studios, art galleries and creative spaces that are readily accessible and easy to hire. You should start with the trendy areas of Islington and Camden. The City of London and the central boroughs are also a fantastic option as there are tons of venues to choose from in the area. A quick commute across the London Bridge will take you straight to the entertainment district, where many small venues and creative spaces are waiting for your call.

What type of equipment can I expect in a local creative studio space?

The type of equipment provided with your studio space will depend on the kind of creative space you choose. When it comes to photo studios, they will offer you a backdrop setup with studio lighting. Music studios have lots of studio equipment and instruments available either included in the hiring price, or for an additional charge. A dance studio will usually have mirrored walls and a good sound system.

Which types of venues can be used as creative spaces?

There’s a lot more to creative studio spaces than just photo and video studios. While you can find some incredible studios in the city, you should consider looking for dance studios, blank canvas spaces, or multi-purpose spaces depending on your needs. Many of the meeting rooms, cafes, coffee shops, bars and restaurants will gladly host your creative project for a flat hire, too.

Can I find any creative spaces around East London?

The East London boroughs of Hackney and Newham are famous for their incredible artists and vibrant culture. Many of the local creative spaces will gladly host your next creative project. Start your search around Victoria Park - there are plenty of studio spaces and small venues available for hire. You should also check out the areas surrounding the Canary Wharf, with its modern restaurants and professional meeting spaces.