Studio Voltaire facts for kids
Studio Voltaire is a special place in Clapham, South London, that helps artists and shares amazing art with everyone. It's a non-profit organization, which means it doesn't try to make money, but instead uses its funds to support art and artists. Studio Voltaire has a gallery where you can see cool exhibitions, performances, and live events. They often help artists create brand new artworks and give them their very first chance to show their art alone in London.
The gallery is inside an old Victorian building that used to be a church. Because of this unique space, artists often create art that fits perfectly into the building. Studio Voltaire also offers affordable places for over 40 artists to work. They even host artists from other countries, giving them a place to stay and create art. Since 2011, they've had a program called Not Our Class that offers fun projects and research for people living nearby. Studio Voltaire is supported by Arts Council England, which helps them continue their important work. Joe Scotland is the Director of Studio Voltaire.
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What is Studio Voltaire?
Studio Voltaire started in 1994 on Voltaire Road in Clapham. It was created by a small group of artists. In 1999, it moved to its current home in an old Methodist Chapel on Nelson’s Row, also in Clapham.
Supporting Artists and Art
Studio Voltaire is known for helping artists in many ways:
- Exhibitions: They show new and exciting art from different artists.
- Artist Studios: They provide affordable workspaces for over 40 artists. This helps artists have a place to create their work without spending too much money.
- Residencies: They host artists from different countries, giving them a place to live and work for a period of time. This helps artists explore new ideas and create art.
- New Art: They often help artists make new artworks, sometimes for the very first time.
- Community Programs: They have programs like Not Our Class that connect with local people through art projects.
Special Art Projects and Events
Studio Voltaire has been involved in many interesting projects over the years:
- In 2005, they created their first collection of prints, called a Print Portfolio. It included works by famous artists like Jeremy Deller and Mark Titchner. They are known for selling affordable art prints by well-known artists like Cory Arcangel and Wolfgang Tillmans.
- Also in 2005, artist Spartacus Chetwynd created a project called The Walk to Dover. This was her first project outside the gallery, and it involved a week-long trip from London to Dover.
- In 2006, Studio Voltaire started an artist residency program. They worked with the Berlin Cultural Senate and Whitechapel Gallery in London to host an artist from Berlin for 10 months.
- Elizabeth Price showed her first video artwork, A Public Lecture & Exhumation, in 2006.
- In 2007, artist Thea Djordjadze from Georgia had her first exhibition in the UK at Studio Voltaire, called Possibility Nansen. This happened after she spent time as an artist-in-residence there.
- In 2009, Nairy Baghramian had her first UK exhibition at Studio Voltaire, called Butcher, Barber, Angler & Others.
- Also in 2009, Cathy Wilkes presented an art installation called Mummy’s here. This was her first exhibition since she was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2008.
- In 2010, Phyllida Barlow's art installation Bluff became very famous. This led to her work being shown at the Serpentine Gallery.
- Also in 2010, Studio Voltaire started House of Voltaire, which was a temporary shop that sold art and special items.
Community and Growth
- In 2011, Studio Voltaire started Not Our Class. This program offers educational and hands-on projects. It explored the work of photographer Jo Spence. They worked with different groups, including King’s College Hospital.
- In 2012, Studio Voltaire worked with Space to put on a big show of Jo Spence's photographs. This was 20 years after her passing.
- In 2021, Studio Voltaire reopened after a big renovation project that cost £2.8 million. The architects Matheson Whiteley designed the changes. This project increased the number of artist studios from 30 to 75 and made them much better. The House of Voltaire shop also got a permanent home as part of these changes.
- Also in 2021, the Loewe Foundation and Studio Voltaire started an international artist residency award. This award gives an artist a year-long studio space at Studio Voltaire, money for living costs, a budget for creating art and travel, and help with their career. Past winners include Beatrix Pang (in 2022) and Prajakta Potnis (in 2024).
