Wembley Park Press Release
STEP BEHIND THE CREATIVE CURTAIN AT SECOND FLOOR STUDIOS & ARTS OPEN STUDIOS IN WEMBLEY PARK
Local artists, makers and designers to participate in open day on 5th October
Visitors have the opportunity to meet the creatives, buy unique works and learn new skills
Free event celebrates long-term partnership between Wembley Park and Second Floor Studios & Arts (SFSA)
Visitors to Wembley Park, the London neighbourhood that’s bursting with creativity and artistic flair, will enjoy a rare peek into the creative process of artists, makers and designers on Saturday 5th October 2024. Between 11am and 6pm, Second Floor Studios & Arts will open the doors of its individual, purpose-built studios in Wembley Park to the public.
The Open Studios event is an opportunity to meet Wembley Park’s creatives and talk about their studio practice, view work, and buy items directly, with no commission on any sales. Visitors are invited to purchase or commission bespoke artworks, new items of clothing, or learn a new skill by attending a workshop. The series of workshops will add to the creative atmosphere by encouraging visitors of all ages to take part in a creative activity. The hour-long workshops will include fluid life drawing, tote bag screen printing, animal portraits and clay pinch pots. There will also be a session on collage and zine, and an exploration of imaginative drawing through mark-making. Workshops are bookable in advance via the website.
Entry to the Open Studios event is free, with visitors able to take a relaxed stroll through the friendly studios located in the heart of Wembley Park, just 12 minutes from central London. The artists, designers and makers will showcase a diverse range of work, including painting, drawing, fashion, sculpture and ceramics. Artist Karen David, fashion designer Badra Cherfi, photographer Amanda Rose, painter Liesa Bacchus, ceramic artist Rula Sayegh and fine artist Laxmi Hussain are among the dozens of creatives who benefit from these affordable, high quality studio spaces.
Many of the artists have deep-rooted connections with Wembley Park’s cultural offering. The neighbourhood is known for its free public Art Trail, which hosts a mix of permanent pieces and temporary installations across the urban landscape. Laxmi Hussain’s work featured on the concrete Wembley Splay steps in 2022 as part of the ‘Figures of Change’ exhibition. Blending ethereal elegance with geometric precision, her ‘Landscapes of Women’ celebrated the female form and the diversity of women throughout the local area.
“Wembley Park is steadily becoming a vibrant hub for culture and creativity, and we are privileged to be offering such talented artists a space to create. Many have worked with us to enrich the neighbourhood, with their artworks showcased along the Wembley Park Art Trail. This event provides visitors with a rare opportunity to engage with the artists’ creative processes and, perhaps, discover a new skill through their free art workshops.”
Claudio Giambrone, Head of Cultural Programming, Wembley Park
Wembley Park is home to 26 studios at present. The studio set-up is an innovative approach to creating inspiring artistic spaces at affordable rates, thanks to the partnership between Wembley Park and Second Floor Studios & Arts. An additional 30 studios will open near White Horse Square from Spring 2025, taking the total number of artists accommodated to over 80.
“High-quality, affordable, long-term studio space is crucial to the continuing evolution and success of London’s creative ecosystem. We are pleased to provide this opportunity for the public to discover the myriad ways in which studio spaces are used, to see how the studios contribute to the community of Wembley Park – and to be inspired by the diverse work of artists, designers and makers in the local area.”
Nichole Herbert Wood, CEO, Second Floor Studios & Arts
Those wishing to explore, learn and immerse themselves in the creative atmosphere of Wembley Park can drop in at any time between 11am and 6pm on Saturday 5th October.
For more information visit wembleypark.com , find us on Tik Tok, X, Instagram, or Facebook.
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High-res image can be found here.
Notes to Editors
About Wembley Park
Wembley Park is London’s most exciting new neighbourhood. Already home to the OVO Arena Wembley, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and Wembley Stadium, Wembley Park is building on its international reputation for music and sporting events and continues to evolve as a vibrant hub for music, entertainment, and art. The area's commitment to cultural expression and community engagement is evident in its diverse public spaces and year-round programme of free events.
The Wembley Park Art Trail further enhances the neighbourhood’s artistic appeal, featuring works by renowned artists such as Claire Luxton, JR, Jason Bruges, and Mr Doodle. These installations breathe life into the area's open spaces, creating an engaging outdoor gallery experience.
A recent addition to Wembley Park's Art Trail is the Swiftie Steps, a colourful tribute to pop superstar Taylor Swift, with two giant murals adorning the steps leading up to the National Stadium, by artists Frank Styles and HUMOR x Murwalls. These eye-catching installations have quickly become a popular spot for fans and visitors alike, adding to the area's already impressive collection of public art.
Wembley Park's cultural strategy showcases a year-round programme of free public events. Notable events have included Wemba's Dream: Join the Journey —a performance festival co-produced with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and International Busking Day, supported by the Mayor of London.
Wembley Park's transformation is also evident in its new venues and repurposed spaces. The Sound Shell stage offers a platform for live performances, while the Samovar Space, designed by young people in collaboration with the London School of Economics, has been creatively converted from a car park into a concert venue.
Just a quick 12-minute journey from Central London, Wembley Park stands as one of Europe’s most substantial regeneration projects.
For more information, visit wembleypark.com
Follow Wembley Park on Tik Tok, X, Instagram, or Facebook
About Second Floor Studios & Arts
Second Floor Studios & Arts provides affordable, long-term, high-quality studio space for artists, designers and makers. Established in 1997, SFSA currently supports over 170 dedicated studio members, across four London locations with an additional site in Kent. By Spring 2025 the reach will extend to 75 more studios and 70,000 sq ft for over 250 artists. SFSA is a founding member of LAASN www.lassn.co.uk, an alliance of affordable artist studio providers, representing over 1 million sq ft of space and 1 in 3 artists in London.
For information, interviews and visuals relating to Second Floor Studios & Arts
Nichole Herbert Wood, CEO
Follow Second Floor Studios & Arts on Instagram.
